Storm aftermath warning on rogue builders

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Council voices concerns that recent storms will result in an increase in residents being ripped off

Trading Standards officers in Wandsworth are warning local residents, particularly the elderly, to be on their guard against rogue builders who appear to be targeting the borough.

In recent weeks the council has received a number of reports about rogue traders calling on homes unannounced and persuading residents to pay for work that is either unnecessary or ends up being done very badly.

And there is concern that the con-artists may try to cash in on this week's stormy weather by telling householders – particularly the elderly – that their home has suffered storm damage and needs urgent repairs.

The council's spokesman on consumer protection Cllr Malcolm Grimston said: "We are particularly concerned that the recent storms may encourage these criminals to trick house owners into agreeing to unnecessary work being carried out.

"Vulnerable people are regularly ripped off by rogue traders. The work is often needless and the victims are usually overcharged and sometimes bullied and intimidated if they refuse to pay. 

"Our advice is to not let anyone into your house who calls unexpectedly. If you do speak to them, do it through the door or from an upstairs window – and never agree to employ them to carry out any work. We would also urge neighbours to be alert to builders, in particular roofers, who turn up to carry out such work and to report any suspicions they have to trading standards.  

"We are working closely with the police to track down these con-artists, but we do need residents to keep an eye out for their neighbours – especially if they are elderly or vulnerable."

The council is also appealing to bank and building society staff to be on the lookout for elderly customers withdrawing large amount of cash. They are being urged to try and glean what the money is being used for and if they have any concerns that it may be suspicious, to contact the police or trading standards.

Concern about the activities of doorstep con-men led to an area covering 210 homes in Tooting to be declared a "no cold calling zone" last month. Residents in the area around Cowick Road are benefiting from new safeguards protecting them and their homes from unscrupulous traders, conmen, distraction burglars and high-pressure sales teams.

The zone has been marked out using street signs that warn would-be offenders that their activities will not be tolerated. Every household has been issued with an information pack explaining how to say no to unwanted callers and also given window stickers, useful leaflets and contact telephone numbers for the police's safer neighbourhood team as well as the council's trading standards team, housing department and community safety division.

A similar clampdown in West Putney last year led to a huge drop in unexpected and unwanted callers, according to residents.

People wanting to report suspicious traders to the council should call (020) 8871 0803 and if possible provide details of any vans or cars that are being used, including the registration number, plus a description of the caller.

Anyone wanting advice about home security or crime prevention can use the same number to speak to an officer in the town hall's community safety division.

March 11, 2008