VOTE: Council and police unite in new campaign to shut the door on rogue traders
THERE is a new weapon in the arsenal of those tackling "ruthless" rogue traders preying on vulnerable residents in their own home.
North East Lincolnshire Council has joined forces with Humberside Police to launch a new 24-hour emergency link to support people targeted by doorstep crime.
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A new service aims to combat rogue traders.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Clark of Humberside Police, revealed how some rogue traders, no matter how vulnerable a victim, or how much money they get from them, often don't actually break the law.
In the past this has led to frustration for their victims, as police were unable to deal with their complaint.
The new link will mean that when a victim calls the police, the nature of the call will be determined and then will either be dealt with by the police in the normal manner, or passed to colleagues in trading standards.
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety, neighbourhoods and customer service, said: "These types of criminals are relentless, ruthless, and will keep targeting our areas and taking advantage of our vulnerable and elderly residents if we do not stop them."
For more information about the 24 hour emergency link, call NELC's trading standards team, on (01472) 324770.
6 Comments
by gerrard, grimsby
Tuesday, July 13 2010, 12:06AM
“well i think that Mrs Barker, Grimsby is retard m8 sounds like he takeing the micky. well i hope some 1 robs u big time then take the micky. time wasters u all ways git i div on here”
by David A. Duthie, Florida
Monday, July 12 2010, 7:57PM
“Just make door-to-door sales illegal, end of problem. If a person knocks on your front door they are trespassing on your property to begin with.”
by Rupert Bear!!!, LaLa Land
Monday, July 12 2010, 5:48PM
“Please tell me the comment below is a joke?????”
by Mrs Barker, Grimsby
Monday, July 12 2010, 5:29PM
“I let two men into my home who offered to build a kennel for my cat but I didn't want a kennel I said, my cat sleeps in my bed but they built it and charged me £14,000 which was all my savings, but then it fell down in the wind and crushed my chickens that I keep. Now I have no money and no chickens but still a cat who didn't want a kennel in the first place. I am sad and old. Who helps me, nobody but these people have my money and will rob other elderly folk who are alone.”
by Ex Door Knocker, Grimsby
Monday, July 12 2010, 4:44PM
“Many years ago I worked for three years as a door to door salesman. No one hates the blaggers and the con men more than someone who does that job for a living.
I worked with a fantastic team of lads and lasses, and we used to monitor our teams and visit the customers after they'd been to ensure that people were'nt being lied to or signing up for stuff that didn't suit them. We had a rule that we would NEVER present a sale to an OAP if they were unaccompanied. It doesn't matter how much the product suited them. In most cases we'd ask them to have a son or daughter present. The family would often appreciate the gesture and you would always be welcome, unlike these scotes who prey on the sick and the vulnerable.
I've lost count of the times I've knocked on someone's door simply to hand them their keys, which they've left in the door outside or in their car doors on the road.
Because we were all local people we tended to have a bit more consideration for people than these teams who ship in for the day and bang as many doors as possible spinning all sorts of stories.
THere are many reputable people knocking on your door, and a polite 'no' is all that's required.....
Always have your chain on and ask to see ID before you speak to them.
Don't be reluctant to phoine and check their bona fides with the council, a genuine caller certainly won't mind....
If you are in any way unsure you must NEVER open your door or engage them in conversation. Simply say no and close your door.......
If you are suspicious then report them.....you could be saving someone else a lot of heartache and an honest man a job.”
by gerrard, grimsby
Monday, July 12 2010, 2:57PM
“well me as gallacher & sons roofing and the help of style roofinf and the scaffolding lads are helping 2 old people who are in there 80,s have been ripped of of the sum of £7000 of there life saveings and all the other roofers in grimsby want to charge them to to put the roof right again. but we are doing it for free of charge . this what happens when u let rogue traders in .”