TWO people were arrested for immigration offences after concerns were raised about an elderly man being duped by suspect rogue traders in Bradford on Avon.

Police were called last Friday (16/08/19) by a member of the public who was worried about an elderly neighbour who was paying a large amount of money for building work on his house.

Officers attended the address in Kingsfield and arrested two men, aged 17 and 22, on suspicion of being in the country illegally. This investigation has now been passed to the Home Office.

Officers also alerted Wiltshire Council Trading Standards who will be carrying out their own investigation.

PCSO Andrew MacLachlan, from Wiltshire West Community Policing Team, said: “I would like to commend the actions of this neighbour who saw something which didn’t seem right so expressed their concerns to the police.

“They did exactly the right thing and we are now able to offer safeguarding advice to this man and help ensure he doesn’t fall victim to this type of scam again.

“We know that rogue traders may knock on people’s doors, often those who are elderly or vulnerable, and pretend to be legitimate builders or gardeners.

“They will try and convince you into having work carried out that you do not need doing and may also charge you extortionate amounts of money.

“You should never agree to have work carried out by someone who is just passing, or believe them that the work needs to be done at all.

“If you have agreed for work to be carried out do not let them pressure you into paying for the work until it is complete.

“Please always call us on 101 if you see something suspicious or believe you or someone you know may have fallen victim to rogue traders.”

You can also visit https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ to find Trading Standards-approved companies.