Days of action against rogue traders – results Spring 2013

Officers working to protect the public from rogue traders say a series of action days this Spring have been a success, leading to several arrests and over 700 vehicle stop checks.

The co-ordinated operation involved not only Dyfed Powys Police but also partners from local VOSA, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Power and Trading Standards.

“We carried out a series of co-ordinated operations across the force this Spring, specifically targeting rogue traders and those suspected of committing or being involved with metal theft,” said Detective Chief Inspector Greg Williams. “And we are pleased with the overall results.”

A total of 711 vehicles were stopped during the operation days and there were a total of six arrests for following offences, including blackmail, drugs and the carrying of offensive weapons.

The operation also saw:

• 112 searches conducted of both persons and vehicles
• 31 itinerant collectors were stop checked
• 22 Scrap Metal dealers visited
• 4 vehicles seized
• Over 70 motoring offences dealt with
• 8 Waste transfer licence offences

“These days of action were a real collaborative effort,” said DCI Williams. “On our side alone we had a total of 163 officers from both patrol and neighbourhood policing sections involved. They conducted high visibility patrols in key areas and visited local scrap metal dealers with the aim of disrupting local and travelling criminals.

“We distributed almost 2,000 rogue trader warning leaflets to members of the public in Carmarthenshire. And we identified a further two areas in Carmarthen as potential neighbourhood watch areas following positive public feedback.

“Officers in this county also used the On-Line Watch Link (OWL) to raise awareness of the problem. They advised residents to report anything suspicious and issued 2,000 messages across the County using Owl.

“Meanwhile in Pembrokeshire neighbourhood policing officers issued cold caller crime prevention booklets and letters to Farm Watch co-ordinators. A talk was also given on Scrap metal and cold callers to members of the public at Picton Castle and advice was made available across the rural areas of the county.

“In Powys neighbourhood policing officers sent posters to Age Concern, various local faith groups and post offices. A no cold calling zone was set up in Pentrosfa, Llandrindod Wells, which is an area with a high concentration of elderly people.

“It is clear that with a concerted effort involving all agencies and our communities’ assistance, we can keep our residents safe from rogue traders and cold callers.”

Further information on how to protect yourself against rogue traders can be found on our website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk , the Advice Guide website www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0845 04 05 06.