Police warning following rogue trader in Cleethorpes

Police have had a report of a rogue trader working in the Highthorpe Crescent area who has possibly been responsible for overcharging a local resident after approaching them to carry out some repair work at the address which actually caused more damage than it fixed and resulted in a hefty bill.

Humberside Police are committed to tackling crime across the North East Lincs area and one of the most effective ways of achieving this is by sharing key information to help reduce crime.

Whilst not wanting to stop legitimate traders who go door to door in order to secure work, it is important that residents and communities are aware of rogue traders and ask the right questions before agreeing to have any work carried out in order to try and avoid falling foul of someone who overcharges and carries out sub standard work.

Rogue traders will often target elderly or vulnerable residents who may be easily confused and they often quote one price to secure the work but ramp the price up as time goes by resulting in a sky high bill many would struggle to pay so please be vigilant as your relatives, friends or neighbours could be targeted next.

In order to eliminate these rogue traders we would urge residents to contact the police or Trading Standards.

To avoid becoming a victim of a bogus caller police offer the follow advice.

When someone calls at your door and offers to do repairs to your home, ask for urgent help, or claims to be a company representative, follow these simple steps to help protect yourself and your home.

LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.


STOP: Before you answer, stop to think if you are expecting anyone. Check that your back door is locked and any keys are taken out. Look through the spy hole or the window to see who it is.


CHAIN: If answering the door, keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case of an emergency.) Some bogus callers target older and vulnerable people saying they need help urgently. They may ask you to help them outside the house or ask to use a phone or request a drink. Only offer to help if you have someone with you. Don't worry if you choose not to help it is not rude or unfriendly.


CHECK: If someone who looks official calls at your door, always ask for and carefully check their identity card, even if they have an appointment. Do they look like the person on the card? Do their details match any prior correspondence? Close the door while you do this. If you are not expecting them and they don't show you an identity card, do not let them in until you have double-checked their validity.

ONLY LET THEM IN WHEN YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THEY ARE GENUINE.

Remember you should not be pressured into agreeing to a deal made under duress on your doorstep and you do have the right to decline prior to any work being carried out so please help us by making life harder for these brazen bluffers.

Anyone who wishes to report an offence can call Humberside Police tel 101 or call Trading Standards.