How to avoid becoming a victim of rogue traders

Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard against cold callers operating in the area who are gaining access to homes under false pretences.

An elderly lady in the Belmont area reported to a nurse on Thursday November 15 that two males purporting to be from the water board needed access to her home stating they were closing off the water mains and checking whether the couple had enough water.  The couple were distracted and one male then entered the bedroom of the couple and located a handbag.

The lady of the house reported that a bank card and £300 was stolen.  The rogue traders then left the property.

This incident has been reported to the police and is being dealt with by them.  

Trading Standards urge residents not to take any cold callers at face value without being sure that they are genuine. This may mean refusing entry to them until you have made checks with your utility supplier to see whether workmen are really working in the area.

A spokesman said: "Any genuine workman will be happy for their credientials to be checked by householders.

"But be warned use contact numbers for the utilities you have obtained yourself, as business cards and fliers offered to you could contain bogus telephone numbers that could be operated by the rogues themselves.