The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Distraction Burglary and Rogue Trader Task Force was established in August 2001 to facilitate a multi-agency cross-county approach to these issues.

The Task Force aims to reduce the problem of bogus callers and rogue traders by working towards a number of objectives:

• to reduce the opportunities for crime by raising awareness of bogus callers and rogue traders in the community
• to reduce crime by educating older and more vulnerable members of the community to adopt security measures
• to reduce fear of crime by identifying, targeting and improving home security of vulnerable members of the community

If you are approached by any person offering to carry our repairs to your property turn them away; report the matter to Trading Standards on 08454 040 506.

• Don't believe all callers are genuine.
• Don't believe the 'scare stories' a salesman may tell you – they are rarely true.
• Don't believe genuine tarmac companies have loads left over – they don't!
• Don't sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it.
• Don't believe special deals, 'today only' – it's high pressure selling.
• Don't allow strangers to have access to your property.

• Do check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card.
• Do challenge anyone looking over your property – did you give permission?
• Do consider if you really need the work done, check with a friend or neighbour or contact Safe Local Trades on 0800 014 1832 if you need a second opinion from a trustworthy tradesman.
• Do ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure.
• Do remember you often have a short time to cancel a contract after cold call.

• LOCK: Make sure your door is locked when you're at home and don't unlock it until you're sure who is on the other side.
• STOP: If someone appears at your door, and you're not expecting any visitors, check that all the doors are locked. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
• CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency)
• CHECK: Ask for, and double check, their identity card. And if you're still not sure, ask for a number you can ring to confirm their identity. If they can't show you any identification, don't let them in.

Anyone with information about rogue traders or distraction burglaries should call Cambridgeshire Police on 0345 456 4564 and anyone who thinks they have become a victim or believes distraction burglars are operating in the area should call 999.

Cambridgeshire County Council and its partners produce a "We're Not Buying It' information and door sticker, aimed at helping you to avoid problems with doorstep selling. You can request a FREE copy of these by phoning Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506.

We regularly provide free talks to groups (across the PE Postcode district) on how to avoid being a victim of cowboy tradesmen, rogue traders and distraction burglars. Our aim, along with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Distraction Burglary & Rogue Traders Task Force is to create awareness, particularly for the older and vulnerable people in our communities who statistically are the most likely to be targeted.

If you run a group and would like to provide them with a FREE PRESENTATION on this topic, then please email eileen@safelocaltrades.com for further details or ring 0800 014 1832.

Note: A website for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Distraction Burglary & Rogue Trader Task Force is currently under development and a link to it from this page will be available once it is complete.