POLICE have praised bank staff in South Gloucestershire after preventing an elderly woman from being conned by rogue traders.

Staff at the bank in Filton, who knew the woman from Stoke Gifford, became concerned after discovering she had been told to pay cash for some work to her home.

They called police on Thursday, February 23, while the woman was still in the branch, with officers responding promptly to arrest three men, one at the bank and two at the womans home.

Police working with South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards officers established that work had been carried out at the woman’s home, but that no ‘cooling off’ period had been given before it started – which is an offence.

The three men were released on bail pending further enquiries into the Trading Standards offence, and no money was paid to them.

Sgt Steve Ives said: “We’re very grateful to the bank staff for alerting us to this incident.

“We work closely with cashiers to help them identify the signs which could mean their more vulnerable clients are being taken advantage of.

“I would urge anyone with vulnerable elderly relatives, friends or neighbours to help them get quotes from reputable tradespeople for any work needed on their homes and gardens.”

Councillor Heather Goddard, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council’s environment and community services committee, said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to the bank staff whose swift action prevented any money from exchanging hands in this particular case.

“Our trading standards officers work closely with police colleagues to combat the activities of rogue traders.

“Rogue traders put pressure on people to have unnecessary work done on their homes, often overcharging them or carrying out the work to a poor standard.

“Legitimate tradespeople are aware of the regulations around consumers’ rights and would not put their customers under this type of pressure.”

Police have offered advice to residents to help prevent doorstep crime.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset said: “It’s your doorstep, your decision. Don’t let any unknown and unexpected visitor inside. Deal with them through a window or use a door chain

“If you’re not sure, don’t open the door and lock your doors while you’re in your garden.”

The spokesman also suggested for residents to keep cash in the bank, not at home.

If you feel threatened or intimidated, close the door and call 999 straight away

Anyone who has, or knows someone who has been targeted by scammers or rogue traders, are asked to report it to Trading Standards through Citizens’ Advice on 03453 04 05 06.

For further advice on how to avoid falling victim to a doorstep con visit the South Gloucestershire Council website