Decision Maker: Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 12, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 11.1 Members of the committee considered a report of the Executive Director Neighbourhood Services outlining a new Rogue Trading and Doorstep Crime Reduction Strategy for 2026 – 2028 focussed on engagement and education, prevention and enforcement.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee reviews and agrees the proposed attached Rogue Trading and Doorstep Crime Reduction Strategy 2026-2028.     11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 This type of offending is not a victimless crime. Consumers are not only defrauded financially, sometime losing life savings and inheritances, but also suffer emotional effects. Homes can be left uninhabitable and the most vulnerable people in our communities are placed in a position where they have to find additional funds to correct the issues caused by the criminals.     11.3.2 The MO of the offenders has changed post pandemic and our current messages need to be revised. In addition, with the increase in the use of digital websites and social media by the offenders, the Consumer Advice Toolkit is required to provide consumers with the information they need to make an informed decision.     11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Continue with the current service delivery model without change. The change of MO since lockdown and the growing development of the digital marketplace means the ‘status quo’ is not sufficient to adequately tackle this criminality and protect consumers from being victimized.