A lorry was seized during a day of action targetting cold callers and rogue traders, as police officers across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon borough played their part.
A range of specialist police units, including Air Support Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Local Policing Teams, ANPR Interceptors, Roads Policing, Tactical Support Group officers, and specialist detectives were part of the co-ordinated and targeted operation which also saw colleagues in An Garda Síochána carry out similar activity on the ROI side of the border, specifically aimed at disrupting travelling criminals.
The officer in charge of orchestrating the day was Banbridge Neighbourhood Inspector Kieran Quinn.
He said: “Today’s operation involved 15 targeted vehicle checkpoints and proactive patrols on main arterial routes along border areas and in locations known for cold calling, as well as a number of local engagement opportunities to share advice and information with residents about this type of criminal activity. Officers handed out leaflets and provided our community with information on the potential risks of those who may come cold calling around our doors.
“Officers proactively conducted over 30 vehicle stops and seven vehicle searches at checkpoints in the border area.
“One lorry, which we suspect was involved in criminal rogue trading on Tuesday 18th August, was seized. Separately, a man also suspected of involvement in cold calling was reported to the Public Prosecution Service on suspicion of a number driving related offences.
“As a district with a number of crossings into the Republic, having the support of our colleagues in An Garda Síochána as we target these criminals and share the message with residents south of the border, is important and mutually beneficial for our communities.”
Inspector Colm McNally, from An Garda Síochána said: “This was also an extremely successful day for Gardai – several wanted persons were identified and dealt with during this operation. This was a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues from PSNI. Criminals have no borders and this co-operation is essential to protect both our communities, working together to keep everyone safe.”
Inspector Quinn continued: “Whilst not all unexpected callers are rogue traders or fraudsters, we hope that this awareness raising operation will deter those unscrupulous individuals who aim to target the vulnerable and take advantage by overcharging for poor quality work – or work that is never completed at all. We are sending a clear message that such crimes against our community are a policing priority in this area.
“This Day of Action is also about raising awareness around the various tactics used by these individuals, who are often part of Mobile Organised Crime Gangs, to take money from local people.
“Our advice is – if someone calls to your home offering a service you have not sought out, or making enquiries about work you may need done – or they say you need done – trust your gut. If something feels off, then it usually is.
“Never let a stranger into your home, do not make any advance payments and always report anyone or anything that raises your suspicions to police.
“The sooner information is reported, even if it’s on behalf of someone else like an older relative or friend, the better our chances are of catching a potential criminal.
“This is also a good way to help us spot patterns and implement additional patrolling or dedicated operations, like today’s Day of Action, to deter criminals and reduce the potential for local people to fall victim.
“We all need to be vigilant to the potential outcomes of contact from an unsolicited source, and knowledge is our best weapon in preventing people from becoming victims and in detecting those who perpetrate this kind of criminality.”
