NORTH Wales Police and Trading Standards have joined forces to stamp out rogue traders and distraction burglars.

In a joint campaign against crime entitled Operation Border, seven people were arrested and more than 20 traders were stopped throughout Wrexham last week.

One juvenile has been charged with burglary in the Wrexham area and appeared before Wrexham Youth Court.

Operation Border was aimed at targeting offenders who prey on the elderly and most vulnerable in society by conning their way into their homes, often using the guise of being a trader or service provider and then stealing cash from the property.

Det Insp Neil Anderson, of Wrexham CID, said: 'Distraction burglars often target the most vulnerable members of the community. It's a cruel offence and the devastating effects for the victims can often be long-lasting.

'We know that distraction burglars often claim to be traders or company representatives and we are working closely with our partners in Trading Standards to identify these criminals and put them before the courts.'

DI Anderson added that distraction burglars were often travelling criminals who would cross borders to identify vulnerable targets.

Police used Automatic Number Plate Recognition, technology which allows them to identify passing vehicles. Over the two days, many vehicles were stop-checked on roads throughout the county and seven males were arrested, including two juveniles.

One was charged with burglary, one was wanted by police and others have been bailed pending further inquiries. Officers also seized two cars and a van full of suspicious property.

DI Anderson said: 'This joint operation was a fantastic success for North Wales Police and we will be undertaking further similar operations to target criminals who commit these despicable crimes. Bona fide traders welcome this initiative and are more than happy to help us identify rogue traders.

'We want to reassure elderly residents that we will continue to prevent these offences from occurring.'