Rogue traders and forceful doorstep sellers across Cambridgeshire were targeted in a day of action on Wednesday (April 13).

Six officers from the ANPR intercept team and three representatives from trading standards conducted joint patrols to catch rogue traders in operation across the county.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “As a result of the day, 15 vehicles were stopped and checked and 20 traders, including builders, landscapers, window fitters and roofers, were spoken to.

“This resulted in two penalty tickets being issued, one person being reported for an offence, four trading standards guidance packs being issued, with signed assurance from traders, and six people being given trading standards business advice.”

In 2015 Operation Rogue Trader saw more than 100 people arrested, £3.1m worth of property recovered and more than 5,000 vehicles inspected across the UK.

Detective Sergeant Richard Stott, of Cambridgeshire police, said: “This joint day of action to target rogue traders enabled both agencies to conduct pro-active patrols in identified areas of concern in Cambridgeshire.

“The team provided advice to traders and clarification around their legal trading responsibilities whilst reassuring the public with a police presence.

“This has built a positive working relationship between the police and Trading Standards and further joint agency activity is planned to target rogue traders.”

People should report cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of any doorstep offender or rogue trader should ring their local police or call Crimestoppers, the national charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.