Police investigate rogue traders in Stroud

Police are investigating after reports of three men believed to be attempting to scam residents in Stroud.

Officers were called to Park Road shortly after 11am today (Friday 16 July) after the men were seen acting suspiciously.

The group had visited an elderly resident, offering to do work on their home. When challenged, they had become aggressive and insisted they were legitimate tradesmen.

The men were all wearing orange hi-viz jackets. One was described as being of a stocky build and speaking in an Irish accent. Another was described as being younger and thinner, with a goatee beard. No description of the third man was given.

They are believed to have used a blue Ford Focus and a white Transit van, which had ladders on the roof.

Action Fraud advises following the below steps if an individual comes to your house:

• Always ask for identification before letting anyone you don't know into your house.
• Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. The mobile phone numbers given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.
• Take control by asking the questions. Ask for references from previous customers or to see examples of their work.
• Don’t sign on the spot – shop around. Get at least three written quotes to make sure you’re not being ripped off.
• If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call Citizens Advice. 

You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or police on 101 if you feel that you have been the victim of this. You should always call 999 if you feel intimidated or threatened by an individual and they are still in the area.

Anyone with information about this latest incident should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary, quoting incident 188 of 16 July, through the website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/. Alternatively you can call 101.