29/4/2008

Local News in Fleet

Clamping down on rogue traders

HAMPSHIRE residents are being warned to stay alert for rogue traders as the summer approaches.

The county council’s Trading Standards Quick Response Team (QRT) are called out more in the warmer months to deal with conmen who tend to try and dupe people then on a more regular basis as residents consider home improvements or work on their gardens.

The QRT is a team of specially trained officers who can intervene at short notice and assist residents who may encounter rogue traders knocking on their doors.

Council officers have encountered residents who are forced by unscrupulous traders to drive to cash points to withdraw money for any work undertaken. 

County council leader Ken Thornber said: “Many people turn their attention to home improvements when the weather gets warmer.

“It is a sad fact that there are people out there who take advantage of this and trick many vulnerable or elderly residents into unnecessary works or who carry out poor quality work and charge a high price for it.

“It is the people who live and work closely with older people who are in the best position to help prevent them from being conned.”

For more about how you can avoid becomming a victim of unscrupulous traders see the Mail on Tuesday.

First printed in: Aldershot News and Mail