Cambridgeshire Police are appealing to the public to be vigilant following a marked increase in incidents involving rogue traders targeting vulnerable residents, particularly during the recent hot weather. The force reports a spike in cases where individuals are offering home maintenance services – such as gutter cleaning and garden work – for grossly inflated prices, often preying on the elderly and those who live alone.
One recent case involved an elderly woman in Cambridge who was approached by two men who immediately began cleaning her gutters without her explicit consent. After less than five minutes of work, they demanded £100 for their services, which the woman felt pressured to pay. The same resident was then approached twice more within the same week by different individuals offering similar services, but thankfully refused and the individuals left empty-handed.
“We often see a spike in reports of rogue trading during the summer months, as people require garden work and home improvements,” explained a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police.
Rogue traders will often target vulnerable people, offering services that are either unnecessary or wildly overpriced. They will sometimes begin work without being asked, hoping to intimidate residents into paying for substandard or incomplete jobs.
Police are advising residents to be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door offers for home maintenance. They stress the importance of never agreeing to work from individuals who cold-call, and always obtaining multiple quotes from reputable, established companies before commissioning any work.
Residents are also encouraged to look out for elderly or vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours. Signs of rogue trader activity can include persistent, unwanted approaches, demands for immediate payment, and a lack of proper identification or documentation.
Anyone who suspects rogue trading activity is urged to contact Cambridgeshire Police immediately. You can also report concerns to Action Fraud or your local Trading Standards office. The police are keen to remind the public that by working together, communities can help protect vulnerable residents from becoming victims of these unscrupulous criminals.
