ROGUE traders who prey on the elderly and vulnerable could be trapped - by their van licence plates.

Police and trading standards officers are targeting conmen who trick people into having unnecessary building or repair work done - or simply charge them for jobs they haven't done.

Officers are using number plate recognition systems at roadside checkpoints to pull over vans they suspect are being used by rogue traders.

Chief Supt Steven Hartley said: "We are not just stopping people at random. Vehicles that could have been involved in rogue trading or fraudulent activities of some sort are brought to our attention by means of their number plates.

"This is not just a one-off operation, but part of a rolling programme of action to tackle the issue of criminals who prey on vulnerable people. We are talking about individuals who can be extremely devious, and will do anything to avoid being detected."

Police say rogue traders could be charged with a string of offences including using illegal labour, or people not licensed to do a job and health and safety offences because of shoddy jobs. They say criminals often have stolen tools and uninsured vans - and sometimes steal from their victims' homes.

Mr Hartley said: "Rogue traders give honest professional workers a bad name, and are a menace to society.

"We have been heartened by the number of genuine tradesman that have applauded our efforts. Along with our partners in trading standards and other agencies, we are committed to bringing these callous thieves to justice."

Ian O'Donnell, of Greater Manchester Trading Standards said: "Rogues target some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This campaign aims to clamp down on these criminals and reassure the public that we are working to deal with this problem."

Click on the related article on the right to read a victim's account.
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