Agencies unite to target rogue traders

A multi-agency crackdown on rogue traders took place in Redditch yesterday (October 28), as local authorities joined forces to protect residents from doorstep crime.

Officers from West Mercia Police, Worcestershire Trading Standards, and Redditch Borough Council Community Safety carried out proactive checks across the town, visiting sites where tradespeople were working to verify their legitimacy and ensure residents had received proper documentation and quotes.

The operation follows a rise in doorstep scams and aims to reassure the public while deterring criminal activity.

Inspector Richard Field of Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Operations like this are vital in protecting our communities. We’re pleased to report that all traders we spoke to were genuine, but we’ll continue these checks to keep rogue traders out of Redditch.”

Residents were also engaged during the visits to confirm satisfaction with the work and paperwork provided.

The Safer Redditch Partnership is urging residents to remain vigilant and follow key safety advice:

• Don’t buy from doorstep traders or open the door to unknown callers.
• Use a door chain and display ‘no doorstep callers’ signage.
• Always check ID and note vehicle or business details.
• Report concerns to Trading Standards (0808 223 1133) or Police (101/999).
• Consider the Nominated Neighbour Scheme, which helps deter rogue traders.

Cllr Monica Stringfellow, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, added: “Doorstep scammers should know that Redditch is onto them. Our community and agencies are united in keeping residents safe.”

To learn more about the Nominated Neighbour Scheme, visit nwcsp.org or contact communitysafety@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or 01527 534187.