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Later closing time/extended opening at the Blackberry Jack will:
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BOGUS CALLERS (Jersey Farm News July 2002)
A hotline to help people targeted by doorstep tricksters has been set up as part of a regional campaign. Hertfordshire Trading Standards has joined forces with organisations across the Eastern region to create a dedicated phone line aiming to beat rogue workmen and salesmen. The number to call is 0845 60 444 66.
Every call made to the hotline will be logged to build up a picture of who the trick traders are, how they work, and where they are operating.
The hotline is also available to give advice about goods or services already bought on the doorstep.
Common scams include poor quality and overpriced drive resurfacing, home improvements and security systems, while bogus officials from utility companies also cause problems.
As part of the initiative, a number of do's and don’ts have been published to help people if a doorstep trader knocks at their door.
DO
- check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card
- challenge anyone looking over your property - did you give permission?
- consider if you really need the work doing.
- think before you decide.
- shop around for the best deal.
- ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure
- remember you should be given a right to cancel a contract after 'cold calling'.
DON'T
- believe all callers are genuine
- believe the 'scare stories' a salesman may tell you - they are rarely true
- believe that genuine tarmac companies have 'loads left over' They don't!
- believe a cash deal is easier and cheaper.
- sign or pay for anything until you are sure about it.
- believe special 'today only' deals - it's high pressure selling
The Doorstop Hotline is part of the Doorstep Initiative, a regional Trading Standards campaign targeting doorstep cons. The initiative also involves local authorities in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend on Sea, Suffolk and Thurrock, the police, Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, and voluntary organisations.
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BOGUS CALLERS (Jersey Farm News July 2001)
Burglary Artifice - This is the terminology used by the police to describe a burglary that has been committed by a crook commonly known as a conman, who preys on householders, often using a bogus official guise, claiming to be from the council, Water Board, or some other organisation. Possibly the caller may be offering to sell something, or even pose as a workman to check something or make urgent repairs. They all have one thing in common – to gain access to your home and steal.
Dealing with unwanted doorstep salespeople -
We feel it is important to explain the recommended procedure people should adopt when answering the door and the security fittings required to do it properly.
Front door security – good quality locks should be fitted, together with a door chain, and a wide angled eye viewer if you cannot see who is outside the door before you open it.
Recommended procedure -
1.Look at all callers to see if you know them before you unlock the door
2.Speak to strangers through the locked door and ascertain what they want
3.If they are offering some sort of service or goods that you do not want, say “No thank you”, through the locked door. In no circumstances open the door and let them in.
4.If you think that you may have to let them in, if they claim to be from Gas, Electricity, Water Companies, put the chain on the door before opening it and ask to see their identification. If they cannot supply this, or if you are in any doubt, do not let them in.
Holiday advice – knowing your house is secure and being looked after does give you peace of mind while away. It then only remains to ensure the added daily protection of a friend or neighbour pushing mail and free newspapers through the letterbox and checking that nothing is left on the doorstep, to check that lighting on time switches is working and that the front of your house is tidy to the casual observer. A car (immobilised) parked in the driveway adds to the belief that someone is at home.
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