Closing door on rogue traders

Buy photos» Bromsgrove District Council Neighbourhood Warden Felicity Pate and Sergeant Carl Paskin of West Mercia Police give out No Rogue Trader Zone information to Hillcrest Park residents. (s)

Geoff Berkeley

12 August. Updated: 12 August 10:37

UNWANTED sales people are being shown the door by Wythall residents after a No Rogue Traders Zone was created in the area.

After residents of Hillcrest Park reported they were worried about high pressure sales tactics being used by some sales people Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership held a special event to discuss how to deal with the problem.

Led by the Community Safety team from Bromsgrove District Council, residents met with Wythall policing team while bogus caller crime prevention packs were also distributed. No Rogue Traders Zone’ roadsigns have also now been erected in the area.

Chris Santoriello-Smith, senior community safety project officer for Bromsgrove District Council, said: “Cold calling is used by both rogue traders and legitimate companies, and initially it can be difficult for the public to distinguish between the two.

“With this initiative, the residents of Hillcrest Park know their consumer rights and will not hesitate to report rogue trading activity to the authorities.
“We are sending a clear message to rogue traders they are not welcome.”

The information, guidance and support given to residents helped to raise awareness of consumer rights, identify signs of suspicious behaviour and provided tips on how to confidently deal with salespeople.

It also explained how to report suspicions to Worcestershire Regulatory Services to increase the likelihood of any illegal or unethical traders being investigated.