PSNI arrests man in 50s over rogue trader fraud targeting farm in Newry-Banbridge area

A man in his 50s was arrested in Newry on suspicion of diesel theft and fraud linked to a rogue trader targeting farms. Three arrests have now been made following last week's Day of Action.

Man held in Newry over rogue trader fraud on farm

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has arrested a man aged in his 50s in Newry on suspicion of diesel theft and fraud by false representation, in connection with an alleged rogue trader who targeted a farm — and possibly other properties — in the Banbridge and Newry area last month.

The arrest was made on Monday, 24 August, and follows a "Day of Action" held the previous Wednesday, 19 August, which targeted cold-callers and rogue traders across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon district. A range of specialist police units took part in the co-ordinated operation, which also saw members of An Garda Síochána conduct a parallel operation aimed at disrupting travelling criminals.

The man arrested on Monday remains in police custody, according to the PSNI. A second man, also in his 50s, was arrested separately on suspicion of intimidating a witness in connection with the wider operation. In total, three arrests have been made since the Day of Action.

A 31-year-old man appeared in court on Monday charged with a number of offences, including fraud by false representation, obtaining property by deception, engaging in aggressive commercial practice, and possessing articles used in fraud.

Banbridge Neighbourhood Inspector Quinn, the officer overseeing the Day of Action, said the arrests sent "a clear message that rogue traders, fraudsters and those involved in similar crimes were a policing priority in the community and that they would be dealt with accordingly."

"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," Quinn said.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)