Vehicles seized in worker crackdown

Three vehicles were seized in a crackdown on rogue traders in Staffordshire. The police, Trading Standards, and Consumer Direct carried out the operation last month.

Two arrests were also made in the county on May 20 as part of the planned day of enforcement action. Seven officers from Staffordshire Police and Trading Standards were involved in the operation during which 17 offences were identified. A total of 77 vehicles were stopped, checked and examined in Staffordshire of which three were seized.

Brandon Cook, head of community safety at Staffordshire County Council said: "The multi-agency approach to tackling rogue traders means that we have more eyes and ears to help stop the criminals that often target elderly and vulnerable people.

"June is Rogue Trader Awareness Month so we are looking to heighten awareness amongst Staffordshire consumers about a range of issues such as door step selling and cowboy builders. A lot of people are thinking of having work done to their homes at this time of year so this is the ideal time to warn them about the importance of making sure the builder they employ is trustworthy and will carry out work to a high standard.

"Our work to crack down on these unscrupulous trades people continues throughout the year in Staffordshire but by joining the regional campaign to clamp down on rogue traders during the month ahead it gives us the opportunity to reach a wider audience and have a significant impact."

Anyone wanting to report a suspected rogue trader is advised to contact Consumer Direct, who work closely with trading standards officers, on 08454 04 05 06.

Advice and information on how to find a reputable tradesman in Staffordshire is available through Staffordshire's Trader Register at www.traderregister.org.ukor by calling 01785 330888.

Consumer Direct West Midlands works in partnership with these 14 Local Authority Trading Standards teams across the West Midlands offering clear, practical consumer advice via the telephone helpline service and online resources.