Suspected rogue traders arrested in Bishop’s Stortford

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to work carried out on a victim’s property.

On Friday 28 July, two tradesmen visited a home in Bishop’s Stortford offering to clean the victim’s driveway and roof. They offered to complete the work at an agreed cost per metre, however before fully completing the work the men demanded the victim pay more than £4,000 in cash. 

The victim visited their bank to withdraw the cash, but due to the size of the cash withdrawal the bank activated the Banking Protocol and alerted the police. Officers attended the victim’s address and questioned the traders, finding that they had not provided paperwork for their quote, which is a legal requirement.

A 30-year-old man from St Albans and a 29-year-old man from Milton Keynes were arrested on suspicion of fraud. Both men have been released on bail whilst the investigation continues.

During July, Hertfordshire Constabulary received 19 calls from banks signed up to the Banking Protocol, which prevented victim losses of more than £110,000.

The Banking Protocol was established in 2017 as a response to a significant increase in vulnerable adults becoming victims of fraud. It is a collaboration between Financial Institutions, UK Finance, Trading Standards and the Police.

Julian Griffiths, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Fraud Triage Manager, said: “Cold callers often target the elderly, offering building, roofing, gardening or driveway work which will usually be shoddy, expensive or unnecessary.

“If you get approached by a door-to-door trader don’t be pressured into getting work done. Always get a written quote and written agreement detailing the work with an agreed price.  If you feel threatened or intimidated contact: the Hertfordshire Trading Standards team (opens in new window).”

For more information visit our fraud advice pages.