Rogue trader operation is held in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

Police, trading standards and numerous other partner agencies have joined forces to crack down on rogue traders across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

A range of activities have taken place during Rogue Trader Week – including a day of action which saw commercial vehicles being stopped and checked over.

Check points were set up in Dwr y Felin Road, Neath and also in Sketty, Gorseinon and on Cwmavon Road in Port Talbot which resulted in a number of road traffic offences being discovered and vehicles being seized.

Some vehicles were also found to be running on illegal fuel and breaching weight restrictions.

Sergeant Tim Barrell took part in the check point which was run on Wednesday morning at Dwr y Felin Road in Neath which saw around 30 vehicles stopped, three of which were taken off the road immediately due to mechanical defects.

“The operation was extremely impactive in a busy location and sent out a message that traders who flout the law and use illegal or un-roadworthy vehicles will not be tolerated,” he said.

Sergeant Paul Hall co-ordinated the day of action at Sketty where a further 30 vehicles were stopped and checked. He said:

“Rogue traders are often linked to cold caller incidents where elderly and vulnerable people are conned. We have seen people robbed of savings or have paid astronomical amounts of money for repairs to their homes.”

Throughout Rogue Trader Week, officers have also visited various community groups and organisations to spread the important crime prevention messages.

Meanwhile in Mayals, Swansea, residents are stepping up the fight against cold callers and doorstep crime.

People living in and around Owls Lodge Lane have teamed up with South Wales Police and Swansea Trading Standards Department to establish a No Cold Caller Zone.

Local neighbourhood PC Andy Phillips, Swansea trading standards officer Ray Foulston and police student volunteers from the University of Wales Trinity St David knocked on doors in the area to raise awareness of rogue traders and to drum up support for the initiative which was launched during national Rogue Trader Week.

It prevents residents being harassed by unwanted doorstep callers and protects them from criminals tricking their way into their homes to steal money and property.

Signs are placed on lampposts in the area and on the doors and windows of homes to advise callers that they do not accept cold calling.

PC Phillips said:

“Local people are totally behind this initiative which is why we have set up such a scheme in the area to make it a safer place to live.

“Uninvited and unwanted cold callers cause unnecessary distress for residents. We know that older, vulnerable residents in particular are targeted through this type of activity.

“This scheme will make it harder for thieves to target what they think are easy pickings by giving residents the confidence to challenge and report unwanted visitors.”