Crackdown On Dorset Rogue Traders
20 October 2011, 09:17
Police in Dorset are on a mission to stop people getting scammed by cowboy builders and other rogue traders.
They've been posting letters through doors in streets where it's been a problem, warning people never to agree to any work offered on their doorstep.
The letter also contains other safety advice, including:
- Do not phone any telephone number provided by the caller, it could be bogus. Always check the caller’s identity by phoning the number in the telephone book. Shut the door and get them to wait outside. A genuine caller will be happy to wait.
- Never agree to any work offered on the doorstep, always get three quotes for work and, if possible, get recommendations from friends and family.
- If you feel scared or threatened by a caller at your door then call the police on 999. We would rather attend a false alarm and know who is out and about than not be called at all.
Organisations across the country are taking part in the campaign which aims to target rogue traders and highlight the dangers that agreeing to have work carried out by cold callers can bring.
Debbie Oldfield, Dorset Police Crime Prevention Advisor, said: “Our advice is not to accept any work from people calling at the door and to make sure members of the public get three quotes for work they’re planning on having done.
“Also, people should visit the Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence website for more advice and guidance at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
“Rogue traders often offer gardening work or maintenance services at what appear to be attractive rates but the quality of work can be substandard or unnecessary. They often use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.
“People should report cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers to Dorset Police immediately.
“Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of a distraction burglar or rogue trader should ring Dorset Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”