ROGUE traders across Wiltshire were targeted on Tuesday as part of a national day of action.

Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council worked with Wiltshire Police in a joint campaign to warn people about the dangers of rogue trading and doorstep crime.

Teams used automatic number plate recognition vehicles, patrolled areas where older and vulnerable people live to locate rogue traders, and advised businesses about laws which affect them.

Trading standards and environmental protection teams from both councils were also out on fly tipping patrols and checking waste licenses.

Steve Clover, head of commercial and consumer protection at Wiltshire Council, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this initiative. Rogue traders cause loss and distress to consumers each year, not only the money paid over for poor quality or incomplete work, but also the further cost of putting the work right later.”

Trading standards advice is never to agree to a caller carrying out work for you. You should tell them never do business that way and use a locally known firm for any work and obtain quotations to compare the work and prices.

DI Tony Hubbard, from Wiltshire Police, said: “Offences of this nature are clearly on the increase. Operations of this kind are essential for us to trace and prosecute those responsible for taking advantage of the most vulnerable to make all our communities better, safer places to live.”

Anyone who wants to know more about their rights and how to protect themselves against rogue traders can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.