9:00am Saturday 23rd June 2007
By Ali Dent
POLICE have raided a caravan park in Almondsbury and seized huge amounts of stashed cash and top-of-the-range 4x4 vehicles.
The swoop on Tall Tree Caravan Park in Over Lane resulted in one of the biggest discoveries of cash ever for Avon and Somerset police.
Officers and trading standards officials seized £100,000 in cash, stuffed into plastic beer bottles and bags, during the swoop on Friday. They also took a car worth £65,000 and a Land Rover valued at £25,000.
A cash book found in a caravan at the travellers' site showed £90,000 of savings and brought the total amount of goods seized to £280,000.
The raid was part of a day of action across the force area by Avon and Somerset Constabulary under its Operation Relentless on Rogue Traders initiative.
They were targeting a business, run from the travellers' camp, which fits driveways across the South West and was suspected of acting illegally.
Scores of homeowners in the region are thought to have been victims of overcharging by the firm, which sent builders out on a cold-call basis.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Inspector Guy Worrall said: "This is one of the largest cash seizures ever made by Avon and Somerset police. There will be ongoing inquiries and further arrests are likely to follow.
"Our advice to anyone thinking of having their drive replaced is to not conduct business with people who cold-call at their homes."
Police issued thousands of crime prevention leaflets to home-owners in hot spots elsewhere in South Gloucestershire to warn people of rogue traders.
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