Operation Rogue Trader
29 Jun 2010
Police launched an interagency operation targeting Rogue Traders and distraction burglars on a number of main arterial routes across Northern Ireland on Monday 28 June.
The operation, which brings together expertise from Police, Customs and Excise and Trading Standards has been developed to identify and prevent Rogue Traders and distraction burglars from operating across the country.
During the first phase of the operation, police also handed out flyers featuring ‘Evofits’ (digital images which have been developed with the assistance of witnesses) of people suspected of being involved in rogue trader activity and distraction burglaries and have taken the unusual step of releasing the rogues gallery to the media.
Police have appealed for the public not to approach these men but to contact Police on 0845 600 8000 or contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they know of their identity or whereabouts.
Superintendent Karen Baxter explained: “While many of us welcome the better weather and longer days, unfortunately, our evidence indicates that this is the prime season for rogue traders and distraction burglars.
“Rogue traders specifically go out of their way to target the older or more vulnerable members of our community. They are a menace, are often dangerous and regularly use threat and intimidation to extort large amounts of money for poor, unnecessary or downright unsafe work.
“Sadly, many older and vulnerable people still fall victim to rogue workmen and plausible sales people who then demand large sums of money.
“Isolated and pressured into paying, these victims are often driven to a bank, building society or post office to withdraw the cash. The majority of reported incidents have involved callers offering to seal tarmac driveways, garden work, gutter replacements.
“They normally do not carry identification, are reluctant to give an estimate in writing and will normally ask for cash. They rarely offer a receipt.
“In addition, some of these criminals will work in teams to carry our distraction burglaries, with one or more people creating a distraction offering work or services, while others simply gain access to a property to steal valuable items.
Superintendent Baxter went on to appeal for the public to work with police to help identify and prevent rogue traders and distraction burglars:
“It’s really important that we are good neighbours and in particular watch out for older people in the community. If you see someone acting suspiciously note down any important details such as a description or car registration and contact police immediately. This information could be key in preventing or solving a crime.
"We are doing our utmost to catch criminals who may be actively targeting older people. But we need the community’s help and co-operation to do so most effectively. Someone out there knows who is carrying out these cowardly crimes and can give us the information we need to bring these criminals to justice and help prevent further crime.
In addition to pro-actively targeting rogue traders, in the days ahead, crime prevention officers will be delivering information about the Quickcheck freephone number to older and more vulnerable members of the community.
The 24-hour freephone 0800 013 22 90 telephone service simply enables householders to call and verify the individual identity of anyone calling at their door.
Superintendent Baxter continued: “Bogus callers depend on the good nature and good will of others. They tend to target the more vulnerable members of our society and in particular senior citizens. Everyone should be cautious of unexpected callers at their home. Our advice is very straightforward.
“Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Do not open the door unless you know the individual.
“Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone QuickCheck on 0800 013 22 90.
“The call is free and will be answered by a trained operator. They will take the details of the company, which the caller claims to be visiting on behalf of, and then contact the organisation to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is anything suspicious the operator will contact the police directly.”
The majority of utility companies operating in Northern Ireland have now signed up to and actively endorse the QuickCheck scheme, which was originally launched in 2008.
