OPERATION Rogue Trader was supported by Hampshire Police with a week of action.

The focus across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight last month, was on the protection police give to vulnerable residents from doorstep crime and the county as a hostile environment for doorstep criminals.

During Operation Rogue Trader, which involved police forces and trading standards services all over the country, activities in Hampshire included:–

• Arresting suspects

• Identifying vehicles used by criminals

• Conducting patrols based on intelligence about suspects

• Making visits to reassure people

• Holding beat surgeries in local banks and post offices where victims can be duped by offenders into withdrawing money or sharing personal financial information.

These types of criminals knock on the door pretending to be someone else. They distract the resident to gain entry and steal items from inside, sometimes with an accomplice.

Offenders may pretend to have lost a pet or claim they need to use your home phone. They may claim they are from a council, bank, utility supplier, or even police.

Chief Inspector Dave Winter, who headed the operation in Hampshire, said: “Our officers are relentless in their efforts to track and disrupt the activities of distraction burglars and rogue traders who try to manipulate and exploit the trust of the victims they prey upon.

“Action is ongoing but so far we’ve arrested a suspect for fraud by false representation; he is now on bail until this month.

“Officers also seized a vehicle after its driver, a suspected rogue trader, was found to have no tax.

“We’ve visited more than 1,400 people specifically to give advice and reassurance. I’d like to thank Neighbourhood Watch, local authorities, banks, shops, post offices, and the many members of the public we’ve met this week for their support.”

Key advice from the police to members of the public is always:–

• Lock all doors, even when at home. Use a chain or spy hole

• Stop unknown people from entering your home.

• Tell police about unwanted or suspicious callers, phone 101.

And police say, if you’re not sure, just don’t open the door.

• If you feel threatened call 999

• If you are deaf – mini-com users can call call 18001 101 or send a text to 07781 480999

• Want to stay anonymous? Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Further information and crime prevention advice can be found on the doorstep crime prevention page at www.hampshire.police.uk/

Operation Rogue Trader was led by Operation Liberal, the national intelligence unit that links associated crimes and gathers intelligence on suspects and organised crime groups who travel extensively throughout the UK.