Shropshire trader prosecuted for fraud and consumer protection offences

Shropshire Council’s public protection team are reminding the public about laws designed to protect consumers when agreeing to purchase goods or services in their home.  

The advice follows a successful prosecution taken under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. 

Peter Finney, 54, of Myddle near Shrewsbury, pleaded guilty to five separate charges for failing to provide consumers with information that they had a legal right to cancel their contracts with him, and for misleading consumers into paying several hundred pounds for unsuitable and poor quality work which had no value, when he appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court in December 2012.

Finney was sentenced to a 12 months Community Punishment Order and 200 hours of unpaid work.  Compensation totalling £340 was also awarded to Finney’s customers.

Frances Darling, public protection service manager for safer and stronger communities, said:

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case.  It has sent out a very clear message to those who may be considering trading in this way: these illegal activities will not be tolerated in Shropshire.  Protecting vulnerable people and supporting legitimate businesses are high priorities for the council.  Consequently, traders who break the law, particularly where their criminality affects vulnerable people and puts the survival of legitimate businesses at risk, can expect to be investigated and potentially prosecuted for their actions.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:

“Rogue traders specifically target vulnerable consumers and take advantage of them.  Householders agree to work being carried out with the aim of improving their homes, garden and driveways, which very often ends up being anything but an improvement.  I strongly recommend that householders do not rely on ad hoc advice given on the doorstep.  The public protection and enforcement team wants to ensure that householders have access to reputable businesses so that they avoid being ripped off by rogue traders and doorstep criminals.  I would encourage consumers to use the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register, which has over 550 local trade members who can undertake home improvement work.” 

Consumers are advised to take note of the following guidance when obtaining services for work to their homes and gardens:-

• Never agree to work being undertaken by a trader who ‘cold calls’, whether this is by knocking at your door, telephoning you or contacting you in any other way out of the blue, until you have shopped around and obtained written quotes from a number of traders.  Legitimate traders will be happy to wait until you have done this.  Use the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register to help in this process.  It can be accessed online at www.traderregister.org.uk or by contacting Shropshire Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0845 678 9023.
• Preferably use a trader who you know has carried out a good job for a neighbour, relative or friend.
• Check if the trader is a member of a trade organisation.
• Never pay the full amount for work in advance.  It is reasonable, however, to pay a small deposit.
• If you have a credit card, use it where this is possible.  If the work is worth more than £100 the credit card company will be jointly liable for any breach of contract.