Trading Standards departments across Thames Valley have joined forces to battle rogue doorstep traders.

Being a region with affluent areas and easy motorway access, the Thames Valley region has been high on the list of areas targeted by these unscrupulous traders; who bring grief and misery wherever they go.

Now Trading Standards are banding together to make the Thames Valley a no -go area for these traders. The partnership are mirroring the Thames Valley Police boundaries, allowing improved co-operation in the detection and prosecution of offenders.

The aim is to reduce the fear of crime, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our society who fall prey to these con men.

This is the first step to a closer working relationship with the Police and members of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, Neighbourhood Watches and the general public. Criminals will no longer be able to avoid Trading Standards Officers by simply slipping over the border.

Community Services Portfolio Holder, County Councillor Margaret Dewar says: “Trading Standards Officers across the Thames Valley region are determined to stop unscrupulous rogue doorstep traders harassing vulnerable victims. All Officers will be working to the same enforcement policy and information will quickly be shared. We hope to make life intolerable for the criminals involved in doorstep selling”.

Andrew Leech, 01753 884216