Warning issued as rogue traders attempt to rip off vulnerable people in St Asaph

Police are urging the public to be vigilant after vulnerable people have been targeted by rogue traders in the St Asaph area.

The incidents happened over the past week when a man and a woman visited properties offering gardening services.

The two people are believed to be travelling around the area offering to undertake the work for an excessive amount of money.

Sgt Beth Jones said: “We are asking people to be vigilant and are strongly advising residents, particularly the elderly, not to accept any requests from cold callers to complete any form of work at their home addresses.

“It needs to be highlighted that all members of society need to be vigilant and people need to be advised not to accept requests to complete work from cold callers.

“If you are in any doubt call the police or contact your local Trading Standards department.

“Members of the public who have been cold called are being advised to contact us with details of the persons, companies and vehicles involved.”

The advice comes shortly after Denbighshire Trading Standards raised concerns about unscrupulous traders trying to take advantage of people on their own doorstep.

The team has urged people to be on their guard and to follow these simple steps to avoid being caught out:

• Be cautious with anyone who turns up at your door without an appointment.
• Be cautious of any leaflets that you receive through the door offering such services.
• Ask for identification and get comprehensive contact details. A mobile telephone number is not good enough.
• Always make sure you get a written quote for any work to be carried out including written cancellation rights.
• Only pay after the work has been satisfactorily completed
• If in doubt, keep them out!

Officers from both North Wales Police and Denbighshire Trading Standards will be increasing their presence in the local area to identify and where necessary challenge such activity.

Anyone wanting advice on doorstep trading, or to report an incident, can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 (0808 223 1144 for Welsh language) which gives free, independent and impartial guidance on all consumer issues, or the police on 101.

Any person feeling intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999.