Norfolk police warn businesses over rogue trader incidents across south Norfolk
Norfolk police have issued a warning to businesses after a series of incidents involving suspected rogue traders.
The force issued guidance after the most recent incident on Wednesday, in which a call was received from an unknown number, asking if the victim wanted a road maintenance service.
An unknown group of men then arrived at the business address and commenced work briefly before leaving. A further call was received demanding a large sum of money for the work, threatening the victim if they did not pay.
This appears to be the latest incident in a series of reports from businesses across south Norfolk, all with similar circumstances: a group of people will contact the victim anonymously offering a service gravelling or tarmacking on the premises.
Once the work is complete, the group claims the victim owes thousands more than the either free or reduced price previously agreed upon. This results in phone calls being made to the victims with threats of violence, blackmail, and criminal damage towards their businesses.
Doorstep rogue traders will pretend to be skilled tradespeople such as builders, gardeners, or handymen and offer services which often turn out to be unnecessary or of poor quality. This can result in costs that can rise far beyond an agreed quote.
Norfolk police have advised people looking for a tradesperson to make sure contact details come from reliable sources such as Norfolk County Council’s Trusted Traders website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader
They have also advised businesses to never give cold callers access to a property or garden, don’t agree to have work done by someone who is ‘just passing’ or has ‘just noticed’ an issue with your home, always remember in the case of cold calling, it is your property and you don’t have to agree to anything.
Other advice includes the guidance only criminals will try to rush you, take your time when making decisions. You should also never pay for work before it is completed. If you feel threatened or in danger, go inside, stay inside, and call 999.
