BOGUS traders had nowhere to hide when police and trading standards officers teamed up to target their hotspots across Sussex.
The Operation Rogue Trader swoop today (Wednesday, May 21) targeted offenders who prey on vulnerable residents especially older people, checked on traders carrying out work including laying tarmac, gardening, roofing and carried out spot checks.
D
etective Inspector Rob Walker from Sussex Police said: "We are determined to crack down on those criminals who often commit offences involving deception and distraction burglary under a variety of guises as tradesmen or waterboard or other officials.
"This day of action was aimed at those who continue to target vulnerable people. Working with our partners, we are gathering intelligence on the offenders and where they operate in order to successfully prosecute them for their dreadful crime.
"We are targeting travelling offenders using ANPR, we are gathering intelligence and linking this regionally, comparing crime patterns and identifying suspects."
Police say there is an inextricable link between rogue traders and distraction burglary.
From May 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008, there were 221 reported distraction burglaries across the county including 11 in Chichester, 21 in Arun and 15 in Worthing.
But officers believe this is just the tip of the iceberg as the crime is known to be under reported.
In an effort to reduce the crime, residents are urged to always say 'no' to cold callers.
Anyone in serious doubt about doorstep callers or suspicious activity should call 999 and ask for the police.
For trading standards advice call Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506.
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