Two charged with rogue trading offences in Bishop’s Stortford

Two men have been charged with fraud relating to work carried out on a residential property.

The men were arrested in July after agreeing a price to clean the driveway and roof of a home in Bishop’s Stortford. However, before the work was complete the fee demanded for the work rose to more than £4,000. 

The police were alerted when the resident visited their bank to withdraw the cash, but due to the size of the cash withdrawal the bank activated the *Banking Protocol and alerted the police. Officers attended the victim’s address and questioned the traders, finding that they had not provided paperwork for their quote, which is a legal requirement.

James Donovan, aged 28, of Nevis Grove, Bletchley and Ned Delaney, aged 30, of St Albans were both charged with d ishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain.

Julian Griffiths, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Fraud Triage Manager, said: “There have been several reports of rogue traders visiting homes across the county, most recently in the Potters Bar, Cheshunt, St Albans and Harpenden areas. Cold callers often target the elderly, offering building, roofing, gardening or driveway work which will usually be shoddy, expensive or unnecessary.

“If you get approached by a door-to-door trader don’t be pressured into getting work done. Always get a written quote and written agreement detailing the work with an agreed price.  If you feel threatened or intimidated contact: Hertfordshire County Council's Trading Standards on 01707 292429 or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.”

Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards to find recommended traders.