A 35-year-old man from Macclesfield was arrested and two vehicles seized as Cheshire East Council Trading Standards officers and police made checks to ensure that traders were legitimate and operating within the law.
Following a number of incidents of doorstep crime in the area, operation Hebe took place in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge on Friday, November 15th.
During the day, 50 checks were made during home visits and vehicle stops – of which two were found to not comply with relevant legislation.
Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, who attended part of the operation, said: "We received information that Wilmslow and Alderley Edge have been often targeted by rogue traders and we have acted accordingly.
"It is very important to raise awareness of rogue trading and bogus callers. Our plea to consumers in Cheshire East is 'please be wary of cold callers and buying on the doorstep'.
He added: "Trading Standards operates an approved trader scheme called 'Buy With Confidence' and our officers can provide you with details of reliable local trades people to carry out work around your home and garden.
"Each trader accepted on to this scheme has been vetted by officers from Trading Standards for compliance with consumer protection laws and their trading history checked through customer references."
Sergeant Andrew Miller, of Cheshire police, said: "We always welcome the opportunity to work with Trading Standards on operations such as this and, on this occasion, 12 police officers and PCSOs were involved and more than 50 stop checks made, two vehicles were seized and one arrest made.
"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge have been targeted repeatedly by bogus traders and it is important that we target those that commit offences and reassure local residents that we are on hand to deal with those that operate outside the law."
Look out for the 'Buy With Confidence' logo and visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call 0300 123 5500 for more information. If you have a business and are interested in joining the scheme, call 01270 685900 or email [email protected].
