Excellent partnership working to tackle rogue traders

15th October 2021

Gwent Police has been working with local authority trading standards and licencing teams, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Natural Resources Wales to tackle rogue traders. 

 

Operation Rogue Trader has taken place across Gwent, in a bid to disrupt and provide enforcement against rogue traders.

 

Gwent Police has been working with local trading standards teams to look for potential rogue traders working in communities across Gwent and stop checks have taken place on major roads to identify potential rogue traders and unroadworthy vehicles.

 

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “I am extremely pleased to see such excellent partnership working taking place to help prevent communities from harm. Rogue traders cause emotional and financial devastation to all ages and must be stopped.

 

“Support for victims is important, so I am delighted that local officers have been working closely with trading standards teams to offer advice and support to victims of rogue traders.

 

“Thorough vehicle and licensing checks have taken place as part Operation Rogue Trader. All drivers and businesses have a responsibility for making sure their vehicles are in a good roadworthy condition at the start of every journey. By doing this, they can help prevent incidents and keep themselves and other road users safe.”

 

Protect yourself from rogue traders:

  • ‘If in doubt, keep them out!’
  • Never work with cold-callers and don’t be rushed into home repairs
  • Never pay cash in advance and never go to the bank or cash point with a trader
  • Always get at least three quotes before agreeing to have work done
  • Discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or friend who can help you find a reputable trader
  • Don’t agree to any work or sign anything straight away. Do not be pressured into having any work carried out.

 

If you suspect a rogue trader is at your door, contact the police via 101 or via direct message on social media @gwentpolice.

In an emergency, call 999. You can also report rogue traders to your local trading standards service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

 

Local trading standards teams

  • Blaenau Gwent: 01495 357813

www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/trading-standards/

  • Caerphilly: 01443 811300

www.caerphilly.gov.uk/Business/Trading-standards

  • Monmouthshire: 01633 644644

www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/trading-standards/

  • Newport: 01633 656 656

www.newport.gov.uk/en/Business/Trading-Standards/Trading-Standards.aspx

  • Torfaen: 01495 762200

www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/business/tradingstandards/trading-standards.aspx