Please be aware of Bogus/Rogue Traders that may be operating in your area. Below are some handy hints to help you in identifying these people.
Rogue traders seek out the elderly and vulnerable, often convincing them that an unnecessary job such as guttering or the resurfacing of a driveway needs doing then using pressure and intimidation to extract large sums of money.
Rogue Traders are likely to engage in any of the following behaviour:
o A lack of any written quotation/contract
o A lack of business name details on invoices
o Unfair contract terms
o Lack of cancellation rights
o Misleading description (including misrepresentations as to work needed/carried out; price; false accreditation/trade association claims).
o Aggressive trading practices (e.g. escorting victims to banks/cash points in order to secure payment).
o In extreme cases, fraud by false representation.
Below are some legislative tools available to Warwickshire Police and agencies to stop these offenders and protect individuals and communities from harm.
Fraud Act 2006
Section 2 - Fraud by false representation
A person is in breach of this section if he represents himself in a false and dishonest way, with the intention of making a gain for himself or another, causes loss to another or exposes another to a risk of loss.
A representation is false if it is untrue or misleading, and the person making it knows that it is, or might be.
For example, giving one price for resurfacing a driveway with the intention of charging a much higher price.
Section 3 - failure to state something, which you have a legal duty to do
An example of this is not telling the customer about the cooling off period and the requirement to provide cancellation notice.
Under section 6 of the Fraud Act it is an offence for a person to possess or have under their control anything for use in the course of, or in connection with, fraud.
For example; Carrying business cards or leaflets purporting to a rogue trading company or using uniforms, vehicle and logos for the same purpose.
Doorstep Selling Regulations 1987 - Cancellation of contracts made in a consumers’ home or place of work etc Regulations (2008)
It’s a common misconception that Trading Standards Services only deal with civil matters. Several serious offences linked to doorstep crime come under the jurisdiction of Trading Standards. Most offences are dealt with in either the Magistrates or the Crown Court, in the same way as police offences.
Under the Doorstep Regulations of 1987 consumers have a right to a “cooling off” period of seven days on contracts concluded away from trade premises where the work has been carried out following an unsolicited call or since 1st October 2008…even when done at the consumers request.
A notice explaining these rights must be provided in writing, either at the time of the contract or immediately afterwards. This applies to the sale of goods or services, which exceed £35 even where the work is to be started straight away.
A consumer can waive their right to the cooling off period but the consumer must make this request in writing. The consumer must not simply tick a box.
If you are concerned then please call Warwickshire Police Non-Emergency line on 101.
Always in an emergency please call 999
Please find the link to the latest Shipston SNT newsletter below.
Russell Brian, PCSO, 6184 Shipston Safer Neighbourhood Team
Warwickshire Police
Team Direct Dial: 01789 444670
Email:
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We are working together as Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse with over 30 other public services and voluntary organisations to tackle the harm caused by domestic abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by emotional, financial, physical or other forms of abuse in Warwickshire Freephone 0800 408 1552* or visit www.talk2someone.org.uk. In an emergency, dial 999.
* PLEASE NOTE: Calls from most landlines to the Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Freephone number 0800 408 1552 are free and not itemised on bills. If in doubt, or you are calling from a mobile, please check with your telephone provider.
Rural Police Blog
Welcome to our Rural Police Blog, in this month's Blog we will look at some of the work, that the team has recently been involved in and we will also be giving a quick re-cap on information regarding the temporary closure of Shipston Police station.
Recent work, that the Shipston SNT has recently been involved in
A 24-year-old male has been issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for Criminal Damage in the village of Ilmington. The male was responsible for causing a significant amount of damage to a car windscreen.
A 47-year-old male has been issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for a section 47 assault. The assault occurred in the village of Ilmington.
A male in his 20's has been arrested on suspicion of causing an estimated £10,000 worth of damage to a train on the Long Marston airfield. Further enquiries are ongoing.
Temporary Closure of Shipston Police station
As you may be aware a refurbishment of Shipston Police station is now underway and we are hopeful that it will be completed by the end of February 2010. The Police station will be closed to the public for the duration of the building work and the Safer Neighbourhood team will temporarily be based at Wellesbourne.
However we wish to reassure you that the policing cover across the area will not be compromised and that the Shipston SNT will still be operating within the area. The Shipston SNT can be contacted by telephone on 01789 444670, by email at
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. Or alternatively you can visit our website at www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk.
Please keep reading our Blog to find out more about our Rural Police SNT and to find out about what we are doing to prevent crime and to protect your community from harm.
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