Operation Liberal relates to the work undertaken by Redbridge Borough Police in close partnership with Redbridge Trading Standards.

On 15 June 2007 The Police and Trading Standards joined forces for a national one-day operation designed to tackle Rogue Traders and those involved in Distraction Burglary. This operation proved so successful locally that Safer Neighbourhoods and Trading Standards decided to sign up to a further six months worth of action.

What is Operation Liberal and how does it work

Operation Liberal is high visibility joint patrols between Police and Trading Standards to target Rogue Traders and those involved in Distraction Burglary. There is good research that indicates that a significant number of those involved in Rogue Trading are also involved in Distraction Burglary.

Distraction Burglary is a particularly unpleasant crime preying on old and/or highly vulnerable victims.

Each month since June 2007 has seen Police and Trading Standards on the streets simultaneously utilising a series of well planned tactics.

1. High visibility patrols seeking out to identify Rogue Traders. It is worth noting that 95% of traders are honest and hard working people and the response from them has been terrific.
2. Trading Standards officers approach the homeowner to ensure that the Rogue Trader has not used pressure sales techniques and that proper contracts with appropriate cooling off periods have been observed. Vulnerable homeowners are given leaflets providing advice and safety tips regarding schemes such as Home Safe, Handy Van and the new No Cold Calling zones. The trader is also spoken to with a view to validating their details and seeking their assistance.
3. Visiting of café establishments to seek out Rogue Traders. View and download the Rogue Traders Cafe Flyer (PDF 185KB).
4. Trading Standards operate an information hot line where local banks and business can let them know of any unusual financial activity involving potentially vulnerable victims. Trading Standards link directly into local Police and on a number of occasions this year immediate intervention has resulted in large sums of money being recovered from unscrupulous traders.

In December 2007 analysis showed that over the previous six months Distraction Burglary had been reduced by 54% in the north part of Redbridge Borough, traditionally the area hit the most by this crime.

Trading Standards and Police have once again signed up to continue the Operation.

If anyone would like further information regarding any of the above issues, please contact Redbridge Contact Centre on tel:0208 7085716, or email public.protection@redbridge.gov.uk or call your local Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers. For more consumer advice please email or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.