Untaxed van seized from tyre fitter in Brighton

A mobile tyre fitter had his van impounded when he went to help a customer who had been stopped by Preston Park in Brighton.

His van was clamped when it was found to have no tax or MoT, Sussex Police said.

The fitter then disclaimed all rights to the vehicle so it was impounded.

He had arrived at the checkpoint to supply a tyre for a vehicle that was being detained by staff from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

The agency issued 12 prohibition notices to the drivers of defective vehicles during more than 150 roadside checks on Wednesday (24 April).

Sussex Police said that the checks were part of Operation Rogue Trader, a multi-agency operation to deal with vehicles used by people suspected of rogue trading or other offences.

Of the 153 vehicles checked, one was seized and four drivers were reported for having no insurance. Seven tickets were issued for vehicles without an MoT and two were clamped for not having tax.

Sergeant Chris Lane said of the driver of the van that was seized: “It was unbelievable that he knowingly came to a police vehicle check site in a van with no MoT or tax.

“The multi-agency team working in Sussex addressed a number of issues.

“On top of that officers visited more than 500 homes in hotspot areas to increase awareness of doorstep crime, giving out ‘no cold caller’ stickers and signing up households to our community messaging scheme.”

He said that the key message was: “Not Sure? Don’t Open the Door!”

Advice to combat doorstep crime includes

Check callers’ identities by phoning the company that they say they are from using numbers listed in the phone book or provided independently
Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes or the Government Trust Mark scheme
Discuss what work may need doing with a relative or friend who can help find a reputable trader
Never pay cash up front and don’t ever go to the bank or cashpoint with a trader.
Don’t be pressured into having any work carried out
Don’t agree to any work or sign anything on the spot
If a rogue trader calls, dial 999
People can also report rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers to Citizens Advice Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of any distraction burglars or rogue traders should call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.