“If in doubt, keep them out”: Raising awareness of rogue traders and doorstep crime in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents about rogue traders and doorstep crime and advising people on what to do if they suspect that they have been approached by a rogue trader.

Rogue traders can affect anyone, but often elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by offering home improvement services.

Callers may offer services such as window/gutter cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree maintenance or roof moss removal and can come across as being likeable pleasant individuals but can quickly become forceful and very persuasive once they start their sales pitch. Scare tactics about leaking gutters causing damp and roots of trees damaging foundations are often used and it can be very easy to be taken in by these individuals.

The Council is urging Denbighshire residents to make themselves aware of legitimate trading practices when buying goods and services in their own homes and promoting the simple message of “If in doubt, keep them out” when considering whether to allow a trader into their home or to start any work.

They are also advising that if you suspect that you have been approached by a rogue trader to report them by calling the police on 101, or if a rogue trader has taken money from you, is in your home or still in the local area, to call 999.

Cllr Win Mullen-Jones, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Rogue traders and doorstep crime pose a risk, particularly to elderly and vulnerable residents in Denbighshire and so it’s important that people know what to do if they suspect that a trader who has visited their home is trading improperly. If you are approached by a trader at home that you suspect may be rogue, do not allow them access to your property, always remember ‘If in doubt, keep them out’.

“If a trader calls and states they have seen issues or faults to your home, seek the opinion of another trader first. Don’t fall for the scare tactics, pressure sales or price reductions, remember that genuine callers will not mind waiting or returning after you have had time to check their information.

“We strongly encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the Council’s guidance on rogue traders and doorstep crime by visiting our designated webpage.”

Further information and advice about rogue traders and doorstep crime, as well as information about legitimate doorstep trading practices can be found on the Denbighshire County Council website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/licences-permits-and-trading-standards/trading-standards/doorstep-and-workplace-sales.aspx