Bogus traders and ‘forceful’ door sellers have been targeted in a week of action across Hyndburn.
Police teamed up with Lancashire Trading Standards, HM Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency and set up roadside checkpoints.
Previous victims and those at a potential risk of being defrauded have also been visited and given advice on how to avoid becoming affected.
Sgt Ian Corbett, of the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team, said they wanted to tackle criminals who ‘victimise vulnerable people’ with expensive and poor work.
He said: “Rogue traders are criminals who take advantage of householders by using high-pressure, forceful sales techniques. The work is often expensive, sub-standard and not required at all.
“This kind of criminality is often linked to distraction burglaries, which is carried out by an offender gaining access to a property by distracting or deceiving the householder in order to steal their valuables or cash.
“We hope that this operation will catch those responsible and raise awareness of the dangers of rogue traders and doorstep crime.”
