Targeting rogue Slough traders
Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team and community wardens have been working with police to target rogue traders and bogus workmen.
On Wednesday May 21, intelligence led patrols took place across Slough, concentrating on residential areas with high numbers of elderly and vulnerable people often the victims of doorstep crime and distraction burglaries.
Trading standards representatives, community wardens and police spoke to 93 residents who were having work carried out, such as driveway maintenance, building work, gardening or roofing jobs.
At hot spots frequented by rogue traders, the trading standards team asked for feedback on the standard of work received, and found that the majority were happy with their trader.
The team also spoke with local traders, and advised them of the benefits of the Buy with Confidence Scheme run by Slough’s trading standards.
This scheme aims to provide residents with a list of legitimate businesses and traders who have undergone trading standards checks and been placed on an approved list, reducing the likelihood of customers using the services of rogue traders and bogus workmen.
Angela Satterly, principal technical enforcer for Slough Borough Council, said: “The majority of distraction burglary offenders network with each other and associated rogue trader criminals, travelling large distances across the country to find their victims.
“It’s essential intelligence on this type of crime is shared to prevent residents falling foul of the illegal activity of some traders.
“By visiting residents and inquiring about their experiences we have gained valuable insight into the activity of traders in the borough.
“We spoke to one resident who paid a trader £30,000 in cash for work that started in August 2007 and is yet to be finished. As a result of our visit, this will be investigated by trading standards.”
Any trader wishing to join the Buy with Confidence Scheme should contact trading standards on 01753 875255, or email buywithconfidence@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council