Police have provided advice to residents following reports they’ve received regarding rogue traders in Bath and North East Somerset.
Bath and North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing has taken to social media to provide tips on how those in the area can protect themselves from these traders.
In a post uploaded to Facebook, the police say that distraction burglars target vulnerable and elderly people in their homes, and often pose as officials of organisations or create stories in order to steal.
They warn that these rogue callers can be anybody, from men, women to even children, and can appear in either smart or casual wear, and potentially wear tabards or have fake identification.
Bath and North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing said on their Facebook post: “Bogus ‘dealers’ may offer to buy your antiques, furniture or jewellery, at what seems to be a good price. Chances are they’re trying to trick you into selling something for a lot less than it is worth.
“Bogus ‘workmen’ and ‘so-called rogue traders’ may say they need to come in to make urgent repairs. Again, they really want to steal from your house. You also need to be careful of callers who offer to make building repairs or tarmac your drive.
“Often they will ask for money in advance; they may even offer to drive you to the bank to withdraw money to pay them.”
In that same post, the police then go on to list ten tips that may help residents protect themselves and their property.
- Don’t open your door if you are unsure who is there.
- Always put the door chain on before you open to door.
- Check the identity of callers by calling the company they claim to be from.
- Genuine callers won’t mind making an appointment for a date when you can have someone with you. If the caller refuses to give details or does not show what you believe is a genuine ID card, do not let them in and call the police straight away on 999.
- Call a neighbour or friend to come along and check out the visitor.
- Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
- Don’t invite those who ask for help into your house. If you really want to offer help, make them wait outside and while you’re away from your door, close and lock it.
- Never use companies who make unsolicited calls, don’t provide written contracts or who offer to do work for cash.
- Where possible, have a safety chain, intercom or video doorbell/viewer fitted. Always use this before opening the door to strangers.
- Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader scheme or the government Trust Mark scheme.
Bath and North East Somerset’s full Facebook post can be found here.