ROGUE traders who exploit the vulnerable and elderly were targeted by police during a day of action.

As part of a national initiative, officers from Dorset Police and Trading Standards launched a bid to tackle doorstep crime by educating the public on how to avoid becoming of a victim of fraud.

Officers also spoke to traders who were working on houses and gardens.

PCSOs have been raising awareness of doorstep crime by attending banks, chemists and coffee mornings to speak to residents about cold calling.

Rogue traders knock on a person’s door and offer a service, but overcharge for poor craftsmanship or unnecessary or unfinished work.

Offenders often deceive their victims into thinking they’re helping with services such as power washing driveways, cutting down trees and tending gardens.

They also carry out general building work including tarmacking in exchange for cash.

Police believe that criminals who carry out this type of fraud are doing so whilst travelling through the county, but there are also people who live in the area who try to con the elderly.

Dorset Police’s crime prevention adviser Debbie Oldfield said: “The majority of traders we interact with are legitimate, but we want to arm communities with knowledge about rogue traders and give them the power to say ‘no’ to unwanted callers.

“The purpose of the week of action is to highlight the wrongdoings of unscrupulous tradespeople to as many members of the community as possible, by campaigning and taking positive action against those committing fraud.

“We want Dorset residents to be vigilant and not forced or coerced into commissioning work, even if people have been told it’s urgent, by the minority of traders who are committing fraud by misselling their product or services.”

Richard Herringshaw, principal trading standards officer at Dorset County Council, added: "Our message is clear - just say "No thanks" to cold callers and support the more vulnerable members of the community.

“Rogue traders who cold call offering home maintenance or gardening are often linked to the activities of distraction burglars.

"All of the evidence shows that it is the elderly and vulnerable who are deliberately targeted by this crime."

HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF CRIME

If you are called unexpectedly by a stranger asking for bank details, put the phone down, dial 1471 and write down the number before calling police on 101 immediately.

If you have already bought services and goods at the door and you are not satisfied, call Citizens Advice on 03454 040506. They will be able to give you advice and report the matter to Trading Standards on your behalf.

If you know someone who is committing this crime or you want to report suspicious behaviour, call Dorset Police on 101.