Notts: Spring alert on doorstep crime

Notts County Council’s trading standards team is advising residents to say no to cold callers to avoid being a victim of a scam.

According to the team, spring is a peak period for doorstep crime in the county as rogue cold callers offer services such as gardening and roof repairs which are in demand after winter.

They use pressure sales tactics such as insisting their customers pay cash in advance or forcing them to make a quick decision to get a good deal.

The council is advising people to seek a trader through a recommendation or one signed up to its Buy with Confidence scheme which has traders who have been vetted by the service.

In addition, people should seek three quotes from separate traders to ensure they get a fair price.

Consumers are entitled to cancel the work within seven days of agreeing the job and a reputable trader should be upfront about this.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of Notts County Council’s community safety committee, said: “Rogue traders take advantage of the warmer weather as people start to think about getting their garden in order and repair any damage to their property caused by winter.”

“Older people are particularly vulnerable to their sales patter so we are urging them to be firm with doorstep traders and say no.”

“There is no need to use the services of a doorstep trader – it is far safer to seek recommendations from friends or family or use a vetted trader from our Buy with Confidence scheme.”

To find a local trusted trader visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or phone Citizen’s Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

No Uninvited Caller stickers for display in front doors or windows are available to download from www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/trading standards or by request by calling 08454 04 05 06.