The launch of the first Rogue Trader Control Zone in Llangedwyn
Residents in a north Powys community, targeted regularly by rogue traders, will be protected from further incidents thanks to the introduction of a control zone.
Llangedwyn residents can now report suspicious traders or activities as part of the ‘Rogue Trader Control Zone’ scheme introduced by the Powys Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The scheme has been introduced due to the high levels of rogue trader incidents in the area and will be enforced by Dyfed Powys Police and Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
Residents in the scheme display a sticker on their premises to show they will report suspicious traders or activity to police through the non-emergency number 101. Officers from the police and trading standards will then consider responding to the matter.
Rigid notices have been placed on lampposts identifying the Rogue Trader Control Zone, making it obvious that residents in that area will report suspicious incidents. The introduction of the scheme has been supported by local county councillor Aled Davies.
Cllr Graham Brown, Chairman of the Powys CSP, said: “This scheme has been brought in to reduce crime and fits into important objectives for the CSP. It also demonstrates that agencies such as the police and the council can work better and work together with the community when tackling rogue trader activity.”
Clive Jones, the council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “Rogue traders target some of our rural communities so we must develop initiatives to ensure that they’re not successful and brought to justice. The zone is a preventative measure introduced to improve consumer protection, particularly in communities vulnerable to exploitation, but also making sure we have clear lines to support legitimate businesses to operate without hindrance.
When we talk to local traders about the work we do to target rogue traders, they always support strong and effective enforcement action as they see it as the main principal of fair trading.”
Chief Inspector Chris Curtis of Dyfed Powys Police said: “We have consulted the community through neighbourhood policing and they have supported this scheme and shows that we take proportionate measures to support our vulnerable communities without increasing the fear of crime.
“We will be working with other communities to set these zones up if they have problems and our actions are needed. We want Home Watch Co-ordinators and residents to engage with us on these issues through our Contact Points and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.”
Joan Branton, the local Home Watch Co-ordinator for Llangedwyn, said: “Although it’s a privilege to be the first zone in Powys and demonstrates that we are working together as a community, we wish to put out a serious message to rogue traders that we will not tolerate them in Llangedwyn.”
Dyfed Powys Police can be contacted on 101 for non-emergency calls. Trading Standards can be contacted on 0845 602 7037 or 01597 827467, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.powys.gov.uk/tradingstandards
