Purge on conmen in Watton and Swaffham
Ian Clarke Rogue traders and cold callers who are pestering people in rural areas around Swaffham and Watton are being targeted in a police crackdown.Householders - especially the vulnerable - have been pressurised by conmen pretending to be builders, gardeners or repair workers wanting to do “urgent” repairs or other work on the house or garden.
Ian Clarke
Rogue traders and cold callers who are pestering people in rural areas around Swaffham and Watton are being targeted in a police crackdown.
Householders - especially the vulnerable - have been pressurised by conmen pretending to be builders, gardeners or repair workers wanting to do “urgent” repairs or other work on the house or garden.
In some cases workmen have started jobs without a go-ahead and work is often poor, incomplete and/or unnecessary.
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Bills are normally much higher than the original quote given and the only contact details given are a mobile phone number which can make it impossible to trace them again.
Inspector Ady Porter - responsible for policing in the area - said: “With your help we can work together to beat the bogus callers and rogue traders and improve the quality of life for local people, by not having these conmen knock on your doors.”
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He added: “If you believe a caller that knocks on your door is suspicious please contact the police on 0845 456 4567 giving details of their appearance and the vehicle they have used including a registration number.”
Police will be giving security advice to elderly and vulnerable residents.
Among the advice is when a caller is at your door is:
*Lock - Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.
*Stop - Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back doors and taken the key out. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.
*Chain - If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.
*Check - If someone who looks official calls at your door, always do the following. Ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment (all genuine callers will carry one).
*If in doubt, keep them out! Only let them in when you are absolutely sure that they are genuine.
Anyone wanting a booklet on “how to beat the bogus caller” contact Watton or Swaffham Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 456 4567.
