Two arrested on suspicion of rogue trading in Berkhamsted

Two people were arrested in Berkhamsted yesterday (Wednesday 19 February) on suspicion of rogue trading offences.

It was reported that a male had approached an elderly female at an address in the town on Thursday 13 February and stated that her roof needed repairing.

The victim was then charged £6,000 for poorly completed work, before a further £10,000 was reportedly demanded.

A concerned acquaintance contacted police, who attended the address yesterday afternoon.

Two males, aged 17 and 24, were subsequently arrested at the scene, on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They have been released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.

Typically, rogue trading sees an individual or a group of people call at your door unannounced and offer to do work on your home or garden that will be either unnecessary or vastly over-priced, such as repairing tiles on your roof or removing a ‘dangerous’ tree from your front garden.

The constabulary offers the following advice:

• Do not accept any services that are offered by people knocking on your door. Instead, find a reliable trader by using the Which? Trusted Traders website. Which? works jointly with Hertfordshire Trading Standards to help find trustworthy, reputable traders who offer good customer service.
• Be wary if a trader tries to increase the size or cost of the job once they have started work.
• Don’t be rushed into a decision about having work done, take your time to speak to friends and family, get their opinion and get other traders to quote and give their opinions before going ahead with work.
• Ensure you have a detailed written contract outlining the work to take place, how long it will take and the materials to be used.
• Make sure that you know where the trader is based – traders are legally obliged to include their company’s address on contracts.
• Know your rights in relation to cooling off periods and cancellation of contracts.

Detective Constable Charlie Eke, from the Dacorum Local Crime Unit said: “We’d ask people to please share this advice with their friends, relatives and neighbours, especially those who may be elderly or vulnerable.

“If you suspect rogue trading may be taking place or that you may have been a victim, please report it to police straight away.”

For further advice and information is available on the Hertfordshire County Council website, or from Trading Standards.