Officers from Norfolk Police are warning residents in the Redenhall and Harleston area to remain vigilant following an incident of suspicious activity yesterday. 
 
At approximately 9:50am in Church Lane, Redenhall, a resident was approached by man trying to sell large kitchen knives and pots and pans.  The knives were shown as a picture and then the resident was shown sealed boxes in the back of the caller’s car.  The man making the offer was described as having tanned skin, a slight accent and wearing a jacket.  He was accompanied by a younger man who remained in a large blue car which possibly had foreign number plates.  This second man was described as having long blonde hair.
 
Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards Officers request that residents never agree to have work done, or buy goods from, someone that calls unannounced at their door, or approaches them on the street.
 
Such traders often ask for cash upfront, and don't offer the entitled 7-day cancellation rights also.
 
Anyone with information in relation to this incident should contact police on 0845 456 4567.
 
June 09 -

There have recently been incidents in the county of rogue traders touting for driveway work. We would advise householders not to give these individuals work of any sort. 
They have picked up the odd job here and there, mostly around Norwich. 
One householder was relieved that, after the work was carried out, the Police and Trading Standards turned up at the address; he cancelled the cheque that had been made out. 
As long as these individuals are around Norfolk there is the potential for an upsurge in distraction burglaries and the targeting of the more vulnerable in the community. 
The less work they get the sooner we will be rid of them. 
 
Please stay alert and ensure your members remain alert to the potential problems associated with giving these people work of any kind. 
Thank you.

June 09 - There have been instances recently, in a number of locations in South Norfolk, where individuals have called at addresses offering fish for sale.  In one incident in Diss an elderly resident handed over £300 for fish that was not what she had asked for and that appeared not to be of good quality.  The fish is often offered at inflated prices.

A number of individuals have been involved, including a female.  They have been described as having northern accents and one was said to be white, slim build with short spiky hair.  He was about 5'7" tall and wore a blue shirt and light coloured jeans and drove a white van.

Norfolk Trading Standards ask that residents never agree to have work done, or buy goods from, someone who calls unannounced or approaches them in the street.

Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice, can call the National Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 506.

  
Message from the Area Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator  - April 2009
Beware of Rogue Traders
This is a new rogue trader warning for distribution to your members.
A new MO appears to be emerging where previous victims of rogue traders are being 'cold called' by individuals purporting to be 'Trading Standards officers'.
They remark to the householder on the poor standard of the work that has been carried out on their property. They then request a substantial 'Admin Fee' which they promise will be returned along with the full amount paid to the original rogue trader. Clearly these groups communicate with each other and share intelligence about vulnerable people and their locations.
Please remember
Trading Standards never request cash from consumers and would always make an appointment before a visit.

Pulham Market Neighbourhood Watch

 

18 May 2009

Extract from www.norfolk.police.uk
Harleston Neighbourhood, Nominate a Neighbour Scheme Launched in South Norfolk

Nominate a Neighbour Scheme Launched in South Norfolk
 Posted: 25th Sep 2008
 Police in South Norfolk have launched a new initiative to deter bogus callers and rogue traders from operating in the district.

The 'Nominate a Neighbour Scheme' allows householders to represent a vulnerable neighbour and deal with doorstep callers on their behalf. It is a scheme that has proved successful at preventing conmen operating elsewhere in the country.

Rogue traders are door-to-door workers who sell (often substandard) goods and services, such as garden work and household maintenance at exorbitant prices.

Bogus callers are thieves who act as bona fide tradesmen or utility workers who gain people's trust and access to their homes to steal belongings.

Police analysis shows that the elderly are most at risk of being targeted by these conmen. In one recent case, an elderly female in South Norfolk paid £10,000 for substandard and unsafe work to her house.

Conmen can often be very persuasive or intimidating and the Nominate a Neighbour Scheme gives the power back to the householder by allowing someone more confident in doing so make all the necessary checks on their behalf.

South Norfolk Superintendent Paul Sanford said: "Norfolk Constabulary works very closely with local authorities and other organisations to combat this type of crime and target those responsible - but we want to do more.

"The Nominate a Neighbour Scheme has been launched in partnership with South Norfolk Council to reduce this crime further in the district.

"Rogue traders often target the most vulnerable people within our community. We hope that this scheme prevents them from

being the victims of conmen and makes those who sign up feel safer in their own homes."

Derek Clarke, Home Watch Administrator for South Norfolk said: "The scheme will compliment the work done by Home Watch and deter bogus callers from targeting vulnerable residents."

How the scheme works:

Police will provide residents who feel they are at risk, a card advising callers to their home that they must deal with their 'nominated neighbour'.

When a caller who is not recognised comes to the door, the householder simply holds the card up against a window or from the other side of a security chain.

The caller is directed to the nominated neighbour's house and it is this person who then deals with the caller. If the caller is genuine, the nominated neighbour will return with the caller to their neighbour's home and stay with the caller until they leave the premises.

The nominated neighbour will receive information explaining how to deal with doorstep callers.

This scheme provides a safe and non-confrontational way of saying 'no'.

Who should join?

Anyone who is worried about bogus callers at their own home or that of a vulnerable friend, relative or neighbour's house.

How to take part:

Please write to 'Nominate a Neighbour Scheme', Long Stratton Police Station, Ipswich Road, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR15 2TB and include your name, address and telephone number or email your contact details to sntlongstratton@norfolk.pnn.police.uk .

A free nominated neighbour pack will be distributed to you including other crime prevention information.