Farmers warned to beware of rogue traders

Mid-Wales farmers have been warned to remain vigilant following a report of rogue traders making the rounds in Ceredigion.

It follows the arrest last month of three men, originally from the Liverpool area, on suspicion of fraud offences in the Aberaeron area. The trio were later released on bail pending further police inquiries.

Dyfed Powys Police warned that various rogue traders were offering general building work, replacing roofing tiles and plastics, while others were also offering tarmacadaming work.

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Farmers’ Union of Wales Ceredigion County Executive Officer Mared Rand Jones said farmers needed to be on the look-out for rogue traders and cold callers.

“These people offer to do basic work for a small charge and once the job has been completed – if at all – the costs go up. These people can get quite aggressive, demanding their cash. They will even drive their victims to a bank so they can take the cash out.

“If you do get cold callers to your door, say “no” and report the incident to the police immediately.”

Ceredigion Trading Standards has been working with Dyfed Powys Police to support parish, town councils and neighbourhood watch coordinators to create Cold Calling Control Zones in the county. The objective is to enable residents to look after themselves on their doorsteps and identify vulnerable residents who need support.

Cold Calling Control Zones can be effective in deterring unscrupulous cold callers from approaching people living in the zones and giving farmers and residents the confidence to say “no”.

Ceredigion Council added: “Cold Calling Control Zones are a low maintenance initiative and, once established, are easily sustained. The zones have been rolled out nationally and have been shown to reduce overall crime in the areas where they now exist.”

Dyfed Powys Police spokesman Det Sgt Delyth Evans added: “Rogue traders, cold callers and distraction burglars have a devastating impact on peoples’ lives, and often prey on the most vulnerable in society.”

He urged farmers and householders to stick to the following guidelines:

• Don’t sign on the spot
• Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity
• Don’t get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques
• Always shop around for the best price
• Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion
• Avoid handing over money before work is started
• Think carefully before you agree to a trader starting immediately
• Trust your instincts
• If you feel pressured for any reason ask the person to leave