|
Ruthless rogue traders who prey on the elderly were the target of a Brodick roadblock this week.
‘If people think there are no rogue traders on Arran, then they are very much mistaken,’
said Mark Smith, Trading Standards Officer with North Ayrshire Council on Tuesday.
He said: ‘We are here on Arran to look for bogus workmen and those who are perhaps claiming benefits illegally. New legislation allows us to ask for identification and a whole range of other documents.’
He was taking part in the first such multi-agency operation on Brodick seafront as part of an Ayrshire-wide initiative designed to protect householders from unscrupulous tradesman. Over 50 commercial vehicles were stopped and drivers were also quizzed by local police officers and officers from the Benefits Agency and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Trading Standards officer Andrew Wylie said: ‘Arran and Largs have been identified as two hotspots. The number of relatively affluent elderly residents attracts rogue traders like flies round a honeypot.
‘Last year a lady in Blackwaterfoot was persuaded into having unnecessary roof repairs done. The poor woman was under such stress about it and while we were investigating the case she sadly died.’
Mark Smith added: ‘There was a recent case in Whiting Bay where a resident had their drive laid with tarmac then got a bill for £11,000. Fortunately they reported it to us and we managed to cancel the cheque before it was cashed.’
Sergeant Bob MacKay said: ‘Everybody knows someone who has been stung by a bogus workman. Some just take a large deposit and never come back. The operation was very well received by bona fide tradesmen.
‘We are looking mostly for works vans and a few seemed to take a sudden detour up Alma Road once word went around about the roadside check.
‘We are trying to make the community safer so that residents can have faith in Arran’s genuine tradesmen.’
After the operation Sergeant MacKay said: ‘A number of vehicle defect tickets were issued and a lot of drivers have been asked to bring their documents into the police station. That should throw up another few charges. Further enquiries are being made about individuals by the other agencies involved.
‘It was so successful that we intend to repeat the operation without notice.’
- Road closed signs 'only for tourists'
- Road fatalities on the increase
- Murray's digger buried in Goatfell peat bog
- Hidden hazard of new seafront walkway
- Graham takes a 'chance' on Arran Monopoly set
- Watch out, there's a red squirrel about
- The sinking of HMS Dasher
- Cliff rescue for stricken Edinburgh holiday...
- Dog walker makes a stink
- Operation Caledonian Sunset for Arran ferry
