Dave Griffin, Crime Reduction Officer for Huntingdonshire raises the following alert and gives advice on Rogue Traders:

We have seen an increase recently where rogue traders have called on elderly victims and said they were going to do repair work on their house, cleaning gutters, replacing broken roof tiles, garden work. They agree a price initially and then increase it dramatically when they tell the victim that they have completed the work. Recent incidents have occurred in Warwick Court, Eaton Socon, St Neots -  Park Drive, Little Paxton, St Neots and St Peters Road, Huntingdon but offences have been reported across the County.
  
If you are approached by any person offering to carry our repairs to your property turn them away; report the matter to Trading Standards on 03454 040 506. If they persist call the police on 101 or 999 if you feel threatened by them.

  • Don't believe all callers are genuine.
  • Don't believe the 'scare stories' a salesman may tell you – they are rarely true.
  • Don't believe genuine tarmac companies have loads left over – they don't!
  • Don't sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it.
  • Don't believe special deals, 'today only' – it's high pressure selling.
  • Don't allow strangers to have access to your property.

DO

  • Do check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card.
  • Do challenge anyone looking over your property – did you give permission?
  • Do consider if you really need the work done, check with a friend or neighbour or contact Safe Local Trades on 0800 014 1832 if you need a second opinion from a trustworthy tradesman.
  • Do ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure.
  • Do remember you often have a short time to cancel a contract after cold call.

Staying safe tips:

  • LOCK: Make sure your door is locked when you're at home and don't unlock it until you're sure who is on the other side.
  • STOP: If someone appears at your door, and you're not expecting any visitors, check that all the doors are locked. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
  • CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency)
  • CHECK: Ask for, and double check, their identity card. And if you're still not sure, ask for a number you can ring to confirm their identity. If they can't show you any identification, don't let them in.

Anyone with information about rogue traders or distraction burglaries or suspicious activity around elderly neighbours should call Cambridgeshire Police on 101 and anyone who thinks they have become a victim or believes distraction burglars are operating in the area should call 999.