Wiltshire urged to give cold callers the cold shoulder
We joined Wiltshire Trading Standards on a patrol earlier this week
Trading Standards officers have taken to the streets of Wiltshire to warn homeowners of the risks of rogue traders.
We joined a target hardening patrol that was being carried out by Trading Standards and local community police officers for a joint operation in Amesbury.
The target hardening patrol is aimed at delivering preventative advice to people as well as making them aware of what might draw a potential scam in their direction.
Trading Standards officer Stephen Edwards told us prevention is the key.
"You might have vulnerable consumers living in the area. So we go out, knock on doors,introduce ourselves, state what we're looking to achieve, which is preventative work and give out information in regards to what consumers should look for when people come to the door to form work."
He added that they hope arm people with the tools they need to live independently and make informed choices.
"Giving someone independence in their own home is vital," he said.
This latest patrol took place on London Road and was the result of intelligence led work identifying potential hot spot areas.
Trading Standards work closely with Wiltshire Police to both carry out patrols and find areas that could be exposed to fraudsters.
As we visited homes along the road, Stephen told me the relationship between Trading Standards and Police helps knowledge to be shared effectively, allowing for more informed patrols.
He told me properties with large gardens and block paved driveways are regularly targeted, while cold callers will also offer roof or guttering works.
We were also told that the impact of rogue traders can go beyond just a bit of work being carried out - with reports of thefts and burglaries rising in the weeks following fraudsters being in an area.
The overarching message from both Trading Standards and Police is to give cold callers the cold shoulder.
"Be vigilant," Stephen says, adding: "if someone's persistent coming to the door asking for work, just be polite, turn them away. If you want to get work done at your property, then seek friends and family out for legitimate recommendations."
He advises getting multiple quotes on any work you want carried and to ensure paperwork is handed over and is compliant.
Trading Standards have vetted numerous companies for their Buy With Confidence scheme which can help us find a trader able to carry out the work we want.