ROGUE traders have been targeted in a four-day blitz by police across East Lancashire.

Officers worked with other local organisations to tackle criminals who victimise vulnerable people such as the elderly by pressurising them into having unnecessary and poor standard work undertaken in their homes for extortionate fees.

A series of roadside checkpoints were set up and special crime prevention presentations were held at a number of community venues. Special advice leaflets were also distributed to builders’ merchants and DIY outlets.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Sgt Ian Corbett said: “The campaign has been really successful and we’ve had lots of positive feedback. I hope it will make people more aware of who they are actually answering the door to.

“Sometimes you have got to be suspicious and lots of people are taken advantage of..

“Rogue traders are criminals who take advantage of householders by using high-pressure, forceful sales techniques. The work is often expensive, sub-standard and not required at all.

“This kind of criminality is often linked to distraction burglaries, which is carried out by an offender gaining access to a property by distracting or deceiving the householder. We hope that this operation will catch those responsible and raise awareness of the dangers of doorstep crime.”

During the campaign, the public were advised to never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call and to not to make snap decisions or be pressurised into having the job done.

Police advised that people check the identity of all callers and only paid once work had been completed to their satisfaction.

People are also being reminded that it is not illegal to sell at the door and legitimate callers will not mind if you shut and lock the door while you verify that they are genuine.