Trading Standards urges vigilance of rogue traders following Storm Ciarán
Strong winds and heavy rain brought with it a trail of chaos - with thousands suffering power cuts in some parts of the West Country
Last updated 4th Nov 2023
You're urged to stay vigilant of 'rogue traders' trying to make a quick buck - following the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán earlier this week.
Strong winds and heavy rain brought with it a trail of chaos - with thousands suffering power cuts in some parts of the West Country.
The Heart of the South West Trading Standards say be wary of cold callers who target people at their most vulnerable.
On Wednesday night, and throughout Thursday, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay was hit by rain and high winds of up to 75mph, whilst the wider South West and South Wales region also had to bear the brunt of the treacherous weather.
Fencing, sheds, roof tiles, guttering and garden equipment are the kinds of things that can be damaged by high winds.
Now trading standards is urging householders to always reject offers of goods and services from cold callers, which could include people claiming to be tree surgeons or roofers, and other tradespeople who call or knock on the door uninvited or even call out of the blue.
Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards said: “Unfortunately it’s a fact that rogue traders always try to take advantage when people are at their most vulnerable – we saw it in the storms last year and during Covid.
"They will try to take advantage of emergencies, disasters and extreme weather events to make as much money as they can.
“They target the vulnerable and elderly. They might knock on your door and say a branch is damaged or a tile is loose and is dangerous – ignore them.
“If someone on the doorstep, or through an unsolicited telephone call, tells you that your property needs repairs or maintenance of any kind, be suspicious.
“If you need work done use a trusted source or visit a website like Buy With Confidence to find a reputable trader and try to get at least three quotes for work.”
Trading Standards’ advice
There are some simple steps offered by Trading Standards which should help protect you against rogue traders.
If damage to your home is weather-related, you should first speak to your insurance company before agreeing to have work done.
The company is likely to have a list of approved traders and may well want to instruct them to undertake any necessary repairs.
You're also urged to not agree to have work done by anyone who cold calls; ask friends and family for recommendations; try to get at least three quotes for work, and make sure you know the name and address of the trader.
Residents can report rogue traders or get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.