Dear Bevendean Residents
Unfortunately there exists in society criminals that repeatedly target elderly and vulnerable people through the means of rogue trading and burglary. As you can understand, the impact on such victims can be hugely significant; as a result Sussex Police are working with our partner agencies to take a robust approach towards offenders.                                                                   These Rogue traders often cold call on victims. Their methods include charging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to create work, leaving work unfinished and   using intimidating behaviour to extort money.
Rogue traders will take steps to purport as legitimate traders. Methods will include the use of credible literature, wearing high visibility jackets, hard hats and the like. For example, a traders van was found to have high quality magnetic signs attached to the sides advertising a non-existent company. These gave the appearance of an established and reputable company, but in fact were quite the opposite and the trader had an extensive history of    dishonest practices.
If you do only one thing please remember that the very best way to protect yourself is to refuse the services of any person cold calling at your address offering services such as building or gardening work.                                    Please take care of family, friends or neighbours whom you believe may be vulnerable. Make sure that they know not to deal with door step callers.
If you have any information regarding rogue trading or other unlawful activity, I would urge you to report your concerns to Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove Trading Standards or via Crimestoppers.                                                      To report Non Emergency Crime dial 101
To speak with Trading Standards dial 01273-292523
To report information via Crimestoppers dial 0800 555111.