Vulnerable Blackpool residents warned about rogue traders as police announce crackdown

It comes as Blackpool Police officers have been working alongside Blackpool Council to visit vulnerable residents in a bid to tackle the problem.

Officers have been handing out crime prevention materials, including mirrors for doors and ‘no cold caller’ window stickers, whilst offering advice about the steps residents can take to prevent themselves from becoming a victim.

Vehicle checks have also been carried out on overloaded and unsafe cars and vans in the area.

Sgt Mark Lancaster from Blackpool Police said: “We have seen an increase in the number of reports made in relation to rogue traders. These individuals prey on the vulnerable members of our community and we have seen instances where people have been conned out of large sums of money for work that is substandard, unnecessary and overpriced.

“I would urge residents to never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call. Don’t make snap decisions, don’t be pressurised into having the job done and only pay once work is completed to your satisfaction.”

John Blackledge, Blackpool Council’s Director of Community Services, added: “We cannot allow rogue traders to target local residents, many of whom are elderly or vulnerable. We will, as always, be cooperating with Lancashire Police to ensure that people remain both vigilant and, most importantly, safe in their community.”

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw launched the ‘Be Scam Wise’ campaign to help keep people safe from scammers. He said: "Tackling rogue traders who often take advantage of the most vulnerable people in our communities is really important and this type of work plays a vital role in protecting against scammers.

"We can prevent these despicable crimes from happening by working together with partners, making sure the public are aware of scams and how to avoid becoming victims themselves. That's what my Be Scam Wise campaign is all about, equipping residents with the facts around how they could be targeted.

"Being targeted by scams is really upsetting for victims, which is why I have made sure that Lancashire Victim Services are there for help, support and advice for all victims of crime in the county."

Anyone who receives any unwanted callers in Blackpool can report them to trading standards on (01253) 478375.

A spokesman for Blackpool Police said any information that could lead to an arrest of a distraction burglar or rogue trader should be reported to the police on 101 or at lancashire.police.uk/reportonline.