Investigators stopped more than 60 vehicles and visited 31 properties around Buckinghamshire as part of a clampdown on rogue traders who are targeting vulnerable residents.

During a Thames Valley week of enforcement and action to target rogue traders and “pushy doorstep sellers” police officers from Wycombe, Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire and Aylesbury took part in multi-agency operations alongside officers from Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.

Operations took place in the Amersham, Chalfonts, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and Iver areas of Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire LPA towards the end of September.

With more searches carried out in the Princess Risborough and Longwick areas of Wycombe LPA on Friday, October 2.

Thames Valley Police PC Matt Spenceley, seconded police officer with trading standards based at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “Rogue trading is a crime that often affects the most vulnerable residents of Buckinghamshire and is still very much under reported.

“This week of action targeted known rogue traders operating in Buckinghamshire.

“It also provided reassurance to vulnerable residents previously targeted by rogue traders.

“By speaking with local people about rogue trading we raised awareness and learned of potential incidents which are now being investigated further.”

Rogue traders are individuals or groups of people who cold-call householders, often targeting vulnerable residents, claiming to be a bona fide business and purporting to offer services, most commonly buildings maintenance and repair.

The offenders charge excessive fees for the work, yet the work that is carried out is either sub-standard or not carried out at all.

Martin Phillips, BCC cabinet member for community engagement and public health, said: “Our involvement in this week of action demonstrates our determination to pursue doorstep rogues until they realise Buckinghamshire is a no-go area for them.

“However plausible they may seem on the doorstep, we all need to watch that we and our neighbours aren't taken for a ride by them.”