The men are alleged to have started work without agreeing on a price
The seized truck (Image from Island Echo)
Hefford Rd Isle of Wight
An Irish-registered Toyota has been seized by police in the Isle of Wight after four men were arrested for suspected rogue trading.
The incident happened on Thursday morning after residents called police over their fears for an elderly neighbour.
The elderly woman was “left feeling frightened” by the incident in the town of East Cowes.
The group of four males were detained by police on a street called Hefford Road whilst power washing roof tiles of the woman’s house.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the men had carried out their work “without agreeing on a price, without providing a contract and without allowing a cooling-off period,” according to the Island Echo Newspaper.
Cops were called following reports that a pensioner had been quoted nearly €2,000 for roofing work and, after explaining she couldn’t afford it, the work was started anyway and demands were made for €1,000.
Another neighbour was also quoted €800 for work to be completed on his driveway, Police say.
Hefford Rd Isle of Wight
Island Echo reports that “a number of addresses in the local area have been visited by the group today, where services such as driveway and roof cleans have been carried out”.
It is understood that detectives believe that other Isle of Wight residents may have been approached by the rogue traders.
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police stated: “We are aware rogue traders can be very persuasive and convincing in their approach, but remember having your roof cleaned is not an emergency, do not be taken in.
“Please ask for a contract and make use of the cooling off period.
“For further information please see the (UK ‘Trading Standards website’)
“Once again thank you to our communities for reporting concerning activities, it is nice to know people still look out for their neighbours”.
