A CRACKDOWN on rogue traders was mounted by police in a bid to protect the elderly and vulnerable.

Officers from the Bolton East Division stopped and checked 50 vans in Bury Road, Breightmet, on Tuesday morning.

The aim was to rid the town of conmen who provide poor and over-priced building, path surfacing and landscaping work.

The Breightmet area has been identified as a hot-spot for bogus callers and rogue workmen.

Sgt Helen Smith, who led the crackdown, said: “Our figures show that the majority of rogue callers come into the area during the day as workmen.”

Police worked in conjunction with Customs and Excise officers — who checked vehicles for red diesel — Environmental Services and Bolton trading standards.

Fifty vehicles were stopped and two drivers were given £300 Fixed Penalty Notices for carrying waste without a licence.

No arrests were made.

Sgt Smith said rogue traders gave honest tradesmen a bad name and were a menace to society.

She added: “We are working with our partners to target those criminals who prey on vulnerable people.”

The action was part of a week-long Beat Sweep, which has already seen a community walk to identify problems in the neighbourhood. As part of Beat Sweep, local “grot-spots” will be cleaned up.

The fire service will also be carrying out free home fire risk assessments and there will be NHS health checks at the Leverhulme Community Centre in Leverhulme Park and healthy cooking sessions at the Deepdale Community Centre in Deepdale Road, Breightmet.

In May, police toured the town’s housing estates on the lookout for rogue traders at work and issued warnings and advice to 12 people.

All were advised about their conduct and given advice leaflets on cancellation rights for consumers.

For more information about the Beat Sweep call the Neighbourhood Police Team on 0161 856 5795.