ROGUE traders were brought to book in Worcestershire as part of a week-long force wide crackdown on dodgy doorstep callers.

Officers from West Mercia Police and Trading Standards staff worked with other organisations as part of a national operation to protect vulnerable and elderly people, who are seen as easy targets by rogue traders, as well as reputable businesses.

Although the operation has been running all week, Wednesday was deemed to be a dedicated day of action, with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) checks being carried out to trace suspected offenders and to catch repeat offenders, as well as officers speaking to residents and business communities to raise awareness and give advice.

Static checks in south Worcestershire saw 39 vehicles stopped and 67 people checked, resulting in 26 offences being identified.

Meanwhile, the mobile team carried out a further 14 vehicle checks, resulting in six offences being reported.

Earlier in the week, three people were arrested on suspicion of committing rogue trader offences.

One was released without charge, and the other two are currently on police bail pending further investigation.

A further arrest was made on April 25 following a joint police and Trading Standards enquiry into four suspected rogue trader offences.

The individual was subsequently charged with two offences of fraud by false representation and is currently bailed to court.

In north Worcestershire, a total of 100 vehicles were stopped and 26 offences identified including one HMRC offence.

The north Worcestershire operation captured two individuals suspected of rogue trader offending and of interest to Trading Standards and further enquiries are now being made.

DS Lesley Fisher said: "This has been a very successful operation.

"We have used a variety of tactics to target offenders and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. We have good relationships with other key agencies and have further built on these to further improve what we do. The sharing of information and intelligence between the police and our partner agencies will continue beyond Rogue Trader action week to disrupt and apprehend criminals involved in this type of crime."