On Friday, 15 August, a 79-year-old gentleman went to his local bank and asked to withdraw £3,000 from his savings account. Having discussed the withdrawal with the customer and being aware of the protocols set by Havering Trading Standards staff at the bank called police.

The victim informed officers from Romford Town Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) that builders had knocked on the door of his home in the Romford area and advised that he needed work done on a leaking gutter that if left unchecked could cause serious problems. The repair cost was quoted at £1,500.  However, when the victim agreed to this repair the builders advised that part of the roof also needed work and that the total cost would be £3,000.

Officers from Romford Town NPT and Richard Whight, specialist Fair Trading Officer attended the victim’s property where he found the builders had already begun work on the roof. Richard Whight informed them that as they had not followed the correct procedures the residents was not obliged to pay for the work unless ordered to pay through County Court.

The builders advised that at this point the resident owed them £500 and taking their equipment, left the scene.

Anyone requiring repair work on their property should contact traders who display the ‘Buy with confidence’ logo.

Those displaying this logo are fully audited by the Trading Standards Office to ensure that their business practices are legal, honest and fair.  All members are checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws.  They carry the necessary insurance and provide clear pricing information to the prospective customer.

To get your Buy with Confidence Directory telephone 08454 040506 www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.