LANCASHIRE police joined forces with trading standard teams to take action against rogue traders.

More than 450 police and partners took part in Operation Rogue Trader, to target criminals who pose as bogus officials and trick people into having unnecessary work done on their homes.

Between April 7 and 11, 1,627 homes were visited, along with 73 repeat victims and 29 new ‘No Cold Calling areas’ were established.

Officers also attended numerous community events and gave presentations highlighting the dangers that consenting to have work carried out by cold callers can bring.

87 traders were checked while carrying out repairs to properties and a total of 16 people were arrested during the operation for a variety of offences.

Ch Insp Mike Adamson said: “Together with Trading Standards we have made a substantial contribution to safeguard some of our most vulnerable residents and educate the community about the tactics used by rogue traders.”

Steve Playle, Trading Standards Institute Lead Officer for Doorstep Crime, added: “Operation Rogue Trader is a fantastic initiative that brings together trading standards officers and police officers in order to tackle the menace of criminals who cause enormous emotional distress and massive financial detriment to so many householders across the country.”