A WEEK-long operation to catch out rogue traders has been declared a success by Wiltshire Council.

Officers from Trading standards and Environmental Services from the council carried out checks on 64 businesses last week, part of a nationwide clamp-down on businesses trying to make a quick buck.

Jerry Wickham, cabinet member for public protection, said: “ A rogue trader on TV or in movies is often portrayed as a cheeky wheeler-dealer type, but the reality couldn’t be further away from that. These doorstep criminals target often vulnerable members of our communities to part with their hard earned money for unnecessary, overpriced and low-quality work."

Detective Sergeant Anthony King from the Wiltshire Police Community Tasking Team said: “Operation Rogue Trader is an important reminder to us all that there are people out there who are trying to take advantage of those most vulnerable in our county.

“We all need to be vigilant to this type of crime, which can have a long lasting financial and emotional impact for its victims."

Three were issued with road traffic tickets, 10 were identified as carrying waste without a license, and three were issued with animal health advice.