Operation Rogue Trader

Devon County Council's Trading Standards Service and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are participating today (Wednesday, May 21) in Operation Rogue Trader, a national day of action aimed at helping people deal with doorstep callers.

Devon County Council's Trading Standards Service and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are participating today (Wednesday, May 21) in Operation Rogue Trader, a national day of action aimed at helping people deal with doorstep callers. This will include leaflet drops in areas known to be targeted by doorstep traders and events at locations throughout Devon at which people will be able to get advice and guidance as well as door and window stickers discouraging doorstep traders from calling.This is part of a joint initiative combining the messages of the Trading Standards' campaign ScamWise and the Police campaign Stay Out Stranger. Devon County Council Executive Member for Communities, Councillor Brian Berman, said: "These rogue traders charge inflated prices for sub-standard work and often target the elderly who can be too scared to refuse or too embarrassed to complain about being duped."Evidence suggests that there are strong links between this sort of crime and distraction burglary which can cause terrible misery to victims, who sometimes suffer intimidation or violence."Operation Rogue Trader Day takes place this year just before the introduction of new legislation. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) will come into force on May 26 and will represent one of the biggest changes to consumer law in 40 years. The regulations are designed to provide safeguards for consumers by deterring rogues who try to compete unfairly and will assist Trading Standards in their campaign to deter traders who persist in cheating and defrauding consumers. Consumers are encouraged to report this type of incident to either Trading Standards on (01392) 381381 or the police on 08452 777444As well as leaflet drops, events are being held today at Morrisons in Bideford, Tesco in Exmouth and Sainsbury's in Newton Abbot with a similar event at Dartmouth Library tomorrow.If you need help choosing a business then visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to find a list of businesses which have been audited and approved by trading standards.For clear, practical consumer advice on a range of consumer issues, people should call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit its website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk