Police Hunt Bogus Roof Repairer
The incident happened yesterday (1 July) when a bogus workman called at a house in the Kitling Greaves Lane area claiming work needed to be to the roof.
He tricked the 71-year old woman into withdrawing several hundred pounds from her bank account but failed to do any work.
Police have carried out house to house enquiries on the area and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them
Police are asking anyone who has been approached over the last few days by workmen offering to do roof repairs to contact them.
The rogue trader spoke with an Irish accent and may have been using a white van.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Burton CID, on 08453 30 20 10 or, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, police are renewing a warning for people to be aware of people calling and offering to do repairs or gardening work.
Police advice to people includes:
• Never open the door to callers you don't know
• Always use a door safety chain
• Always ask for identification and check it carefully
• If someone calls unexpectedly, don't let them in or quote for repairs
• If you have any suspicions, or feel you may be at risk, call police.
Families with older relatives can play an important part by warning them not to let strangers into their homes and making sure they have effective security measures such as door chains and locks, say police.
The following item is from the July edition of Burton Local News:
The Staffordshire Trader Register
If you've ever struggled to find a reliable builder or been frustrated when an electrician hasn't shown up, the Trader Register could be the answer.
The Trader Register is designed to put residents in touch with traders who are committed to doing a good job at a fair price.
The Trader Register has been produced by Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards working with a group of partners including Age Concern, Home Improvement Agencies, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Stoke City Council and local District Councils all of whom are committed to supporting Staffordshire residents and businesses.
Householders often find it difficult sourcing a reliable builder, plumber or electrician, and for the less mobile it can become a real issue. They risk becoming the victims of doorstep rogues who call at the door and mislead them about the need for property repairs.
The Register exists to help householders find a trader to work on their home or garden. Consumers who chose a trader from the register are making a first step towards getting a good job done. Everyone who uses the Trader Register will be sent a copy of Staffordshire Trading Standards top tips for agreeing home improvement and repair work to help them get it right first time and avoid potential problems.
While traders participating in the scheme are not approved by Trading Standards or any other agency, if there is a problem, members have pledged to work with the County's Trading Standards Officers to find a solution.
South Staffordshire Age Concern is providing the telephone helpline for the Trader Register.
Anyone who wants to find a trader in their area can ring 01785 600610 and the Trader Register Team will find a selection of traders for them. The service is free for anyone who lives in Staffordshire. If you have access to the Internet you can try it yourself at www.traderregister.org.uk
Hundreds of traders have already joined the Trader Register. They cover the whole of Staffordshire and include builders, roofers, electricians, plasters, painters and decorators as well as those who specialise in outside work on the garden, driveways and double glazing.
The aim in launching the scheme is to have enough members to offer all local residents a choice of trader for their home improvement work.
Some householders need additional support and the Trader Register Team works closely with the Alliance of Staffordshire Home Improvement Agencies to help these consumers.
Home Improvement Agencies exist to enable older, disabled or vulnerable people to live in their own homes with comfort, dignity and security. They offer a variety of services assisting people with repairs and adaptation including access to funding sources, help in choosing a suitable trader and managing the work as it goes along. Anyone who contacts the Trader Register and is eligible for further assistance will be offered the opportunity to receive additional help from their local Home Improvement Agency.
Traders
If you are a Trader you can register to join the Trader Register - registration is free.
Traders must demonstrate a commitment to fair and honest trade and agree to abide by the Trader Register Code of Practice.
The Trader Register provides all local businesses, whether large or small, with the opportunity to set themselves apart from so-called 'cowboys', helping consumers find a trader to carry out work on their home.
For more information on how to join the Trader Register and to find out how Trading Standards can help your business contact the Trader Register Team on 01785 600610 or go to www.traderregister.org.uk
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