POLICE and Trading Standards officers in the Somerset West district have been raising awareness of rogue traders as part of a national week of action.

Rogue traders are criminals who charge homeowners extortionate rates for home or garden improvements which are overpriced, substandard or not required at all.

Neighbourhood officers teamed up with Somerset County Council’s trading standards officers, Neighbourhood Watch members and Somerset Active Living to let householders know what to look out for.

Throughout the week police teams, cadets and members of the special constabulary carried out a range of activities including vehicle stop-checks to ensure traders were operating legally.

They also held events such as surgeries and visited community groups to raise awareness of ’doorstep crime’, including distraction burglary.

Officers spoke to bank, building society and Post Office cashiers to let them know what to look for if a customer suddenly and unusually wanted to withdraw a large amount of money.

Prompt action by the financial services often enabled police to intervene before criminals could be paid for their ’work’.

Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Pritchard said: “Throughout the year we’re working with trading standards and other agencies to tackle doorstep crime.

“We’re taking the opportunity offered by national rogue trader week to remind people that we can all play a part in protecting ourselves and our more vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours from doorstep criminals.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said anyone who was unsure about an uninvited visitor calling at their home should simply refuse to answer the door.

However, if they did want to find out who was calling, they should use a security chain, ask to see identification and call police on 101 if they were suspicious or concerned about the caller.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Rogue traders carry out the ultimate act of betrayal and have a devastating impact.

“Too many times, I have heard of incidences where these despicable individuals prey on people and abuse their trust.

“I have attended many community meetings and have met with different groups of local people to help raise awareness of the dangers of ‘cold-callers’ and distraction burglars.

“People should remember, it is their doorstep and they should not let these people bully their way into their homes.”

Ms Mountstevens said anyone who was unsure about a caller should keep the door closed as genuine visitors would be happy to make an appointment to come back at a later date.

Further crime prevention advice is available in the ’doorstep crime’ section of the police website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.