ROGUE traders and forceful doorstep sellers have been targeted during a week of police action.


Cheshire Police and members of Trading Standards, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Environment Agency and HM Revenue and Customs joined together for Operation Rogue Trader, a week-long sting against people who profit from the elderly and the vulnerable. 


During a national day of action on Wednesday, April 13 officers patrolled hotspot areas checking that those plying their trade were genuine craftsmen and, using automatic number plate recognition, gathered information about this type of crime. 


Inspector Ian Stead, who co-ordinated the operation in Cheshire, said: “Rogue trading refers to the practice of deliberately overcharging for unsatisfactory goods and services. 


“This includes charging of unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating behaviour in order to extort money. 


“Doorstep crime will not be tolerated. This kind of activity is despicable and strikes at the very heart of local communities as those involved tend to target and exploit the most vulnerable in society. 


“This operation reflects how seriously police and partners take this type of crime and reinforces the message that we are committed to working closely together to do everything we possibly can to put a stop to it. 


“We want to make it as difficult as possible for these types of criminals to operate in Cheshire – we are not an easy target and want to get the message across loud and clear that Cheshire is not a place for these kinds of people to do business.”