In a bid to prevent doorstep crime, Angus Trading Standards are urging residents to use the Angus Trusted Trader Scheme to safely choose a reliable local trader to carry out work in their homes.
The initiative, backed by Angus Council and supported by Police Scotland, enables residents of Angus to search for reputable, vetted, local businesses, covering trades and services from plumbers, electricians and roofers to accountants and taxis.
With many residents falling foul to rogue traders, Angus Trading Standards are working hard to protect the regions residents from doorstep crime and promote good practice and reliable services from local businesses.
All traders part of the Angus Trusted Trader scheme have to meet a strict criteria to become a member. Businesses are fully vetted by the Council’s Trading Standards team who regularly examine business practices, monitor reviews and feedback, and will intervene in disputes when required.
Councillor Mark McDonald, Convenor of Communities at Angus Council, said: “The Angus Trusted Trader scheme means our residents can safely choose a local trader in their area to carry out work on their homes and use for certain services.
“We want to make sure that our residents are informed and confident enough to avoid cold calling and never feel pressured into buying something without having the details and reviews that they need to make an informed choice.
“For our more vulnerable residents or those without internet access, there is a Trusted Trader helpline, where operators will be able to assist people in finding a local business that meets their needs.
“I hope our residents take full advantage of the Angus Trusted Trader directory with confidence, knowing that all of the Traders had to meet a strict criteria to become a member of the scheme and have been fully vetted by our Trading Standards team.”
Constable Marion Hinselwood, at Forfar Police Station said: “We are proud to support this initiative. Angus Trusted Trader Scheme helps protect local residents from scammers by ensuring that they have access to information that enables them to choose approved, vetted traders in the area.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to bring doorstep criminals and bogus callers to justice, while making sure we protect the vulnerable members of our communities and keep residents safe from crime.”
Angus Trusted Trader is open to all home improvement trades and most services, excluding food and hospitality.