ROGUE traders have been targeted this week in a joint campaign involving police and trading standards.

Police have been pulling over vans and trucks around Swindon as part of the nationwide initiative. As well as inspecting the roadworthiness of vehicles and looking for evidence of red-diesel misuse, agencies have been checking waste licensing documents.

The operation, which involved a day of enforcement on Tuesday, ends later today but trading standards have already issued advice to 10 businesses and given one formal warning.

Swindon trading standards says it has dealt with 167 reports of rogue trading incidents in the past year – an increase of 10 per cent.

Many involved roofing work, others were about cold callers, doorstep traders and firms offering driveway work.

Many of their victims were elderly women living alone.

Wiltshire Police head of crime prevention Supt Phil Staynings said: “I hope the day of action shows those who try to con the most vulnerable in our communities that we are out to stop them.

“This was a successful day of partnership working with other agencies, all working together to educate traders working in Wiltshire and take action against those who weren’t trading fairly.

“Positive feedback was received from a number of the legitimate traders stopped, showing that our work is appreciated by consumers and genuine traders alike.”

He added that anyone who was concerned about possible rogue traders should contact police.

Carla Baker, Swindon Borough Council’s senior advice and education officer, said: “We take doorstep crime extremely seriously and Operation Rogue Trader gave us the opportunity to work with our partners to send a clear message to rogue traders that their activities will not be tolerated in Swindon.

“Rogue traders travel extensively throughout the country often preying on vulnerable people to offer services on the doorstep with a view to carrying out inadequate work for high prices, work which is often not required.

“During the operation we issued advice to 10 businesses and issued a formal warning to one business for not issuing the correct Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives a 14-day cooling off period as required by law.

“We recommend that people use approved traders from our Buy With Confidence scheme so they do not fall victim to rogue traders.”

One driver stopped on Monday on his way to Blunsdon with a cargo of greyhounds was philosophical about being escorted to the truck stop at Gablecross for his vehicle to be inspected.

“It’s a good idea,” said Terry Kibble. “They just checked the van and where I came from. It’s OK as long as the vehicle’s alright.”

Another who didn’t want to be named added: “Your heart goes a bit when you’re pulled over but if you’re not doing anything wrong you should be OK. I don’t mind if it stops people being conned.”

For further information about the Buy With Confidence scheme visit swindon.gov.uk/tradingstandards