Man arrested following rogue traders operation in Armagh

A man in his 30s has been arrested in Armagh on suspicion of several fraud-related offences following a major rogue traders operation in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon.

Police said the man was arrested on Newry Road on Saturday afternoon. A vehicle and a quantity of cash were also seized.

The arrest follows a coordinated police operation earlier in the week targeting cold-callers, rogue traders and travelling criminals.

Man arrested in Newry Road area of Armagh

Police in Armagh have arrested a man on suspicion of a number of fraud-related offences following an operation targeting rogue traders.

Shortly before 1.30pm on Saturday, August 22, officers arrested a man in his 30s in the Newry Road area of Armagh.

According to police, he was arrested on suspicion of offences including:

• Fraud by false representation
• Obtaining property by deception
• Criminal damage

Police also seized a vehicle and a quantity of cash.

The man remained in police custody at the time of the PSNI statement.

Arrest follows rogue traders operation across ABC district

The arrest follows a police Day of Action held on Wednesday, August 19.

The rogue traders operation in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon focused on cold-callers and individuals suspected of targeting vulnerable members of the community.

A number of specialist Police Service of Northern Ireland units took part, including:

• Air Support Unit
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams
• Local Policing Teams
• ANPR Interceptors
• Roads Policing
• Specialist detectives

Police said the operation was coordinated and targeted at disrupting the activities of travelling criminals.

Officers from An Garda Síochána also carried out activity on the Republic of Ireland side of the border as part of the wider operation.

Visit the Police Service of Northern Ireland website

Police issue warning over rogue traders and cold-callers

Banbridge Neighbourhood Inspector Quinn, who was involved in organising Wednesday’s operation, welcomed the subsequent arrest.

He said it demonstrated that rogue traders, fraudsters and people involved in similar offences remain a policing priority.

Inspector Quinn said:

“We hope that the Day of Action operation, and this subsequent arrest, will deter those unscrupulous individuals who aim to target the vulnerable and take advantage by overcharging for poor quality work – or work that is never completed at all.”

Police said officers will continue engaging with local communities to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with unsolicited cold-callers.

How to protect yourself from bogus callers and rogue traders

Residents are being encouraged to remain cautious when someone arrives unexpectedly offering building, gardening, driveway or other household services.

Police advice and information about bogus callers is available through the PSNI:

PSNI advice on bogus callers

Further information about scams and fraud can also be found here:

PSNI scams and fraud advice

Anyone who believes they have witnessed suspicious activity or been the victim of a non-emergency crime can also report an incident to the PSNI.

In an emergency, always call 999.