Rogue Trader Week
Monday the 17th of October marks the start of Rogue Trader Week 2011, which is designed to raise public awareness of doorstep crime and increase reassurance, thereby reducing the fear of crime. You will be aware that there are considerable links between certain rogue traders, builders, PVCu fitters, tarmacadam layers and gardeners who look for business on the doorstep. Rogue traders and distraction burglars travel extensively throughout the country using a variety of vehicles and are very reliant on the road networks.
This year saw a number of small operations implemented to continue the drive to raising public awareness into the issues around doorstep crime. These included a joint operation between Trading Standards and Pencoed Neighbourhood Policing Team, who were out and about checking charity bag collectors and licences of waste carriers occupying the local area. Positively, no offences were found with all individuals operating with the required guidelines and legislation.
Further positive work was then carried out with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team again at Pencoed. Residents were approached in a number of streets who had recently reported rogue traders in the area. They were praised for their diligence in contacting us promptly to allow local officers to implement a prompt response in raising awareness in the community. Thankfully on this occasion, no one became a victim of crime. Local residents have now been encouraged to continue reporting their concerns around Rogue Traders to Bridgend Police.
To round off the week victims were revisited and reassurance provided. These few individuals were recognised for their courage and strength in contacting us to report this heinous crime and therefore supporting Bridgend Police in working hard to prevent further victims.
The week was a huge success and this is reflected positively in the number of reported incidents of Rogue Traders over the last 12 months which remains at an all time low. Residents are illustrating more confidence in saying NO to doorstep crime.
Crime Prevention advice is available by contacting your local PCSO Click here for your local officers details