A man in his thirties has been arrested in Armagh on suspicion of a number of fraud-related offences after police carried out a targeted crackdown on cold-callers and rogue traders across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District.
The arrest was made shortly before 1.30pm on Saturday, August 22, in the Newry Road area of Armagh. Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, obtaining property by deception and criminal damage.
A vehicle was seized during the operation, along with a quantity of cash. The man remained in police custody at the time of the report.
Operation targeted travelling criminals
The arrest followed a Day of Action held on Wednesday, August 19. The operation focused on cold-callers and rogue traders operating across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District, with police seeking to disrupt criminals who travel between communities and target householders.
A range of specialist police units took part, including the Air Support Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Local Policing Teams, ANPR Interceptors, Roads Policing and specialist detectives.
Colleagues from An Garda Síochána also carried out similar activity on the Republic of Ireland side of the border. The cross-border work was specifically aimed at disrupting travelling criminals.
Police warning over bogus callers
Banbridge Neighbourhood Inspector Quinn, who was in charge of orchestrating the Day of Action, welcomed the subsequent arrest. The officer said it sent a clear message that rogue traders, fraudsters and people involved in similar crimes were a policing priority in the community.
“We hope that the Day of Action operation, and this subsequent arrest, will deter those unscrupulous individuals who aim to target the vulnerable and take advantage by overcharging for poor quality work – or work that is never completed at all,” he said.
Inspector Quinn said police would continue engaging with local communities to offer advice about the risks associated with people who arrive at homes without being invited.
Residents can find further information about fraud and bogus callers through the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s bogus callers advice and its guidance on scams and fraud.