Callers at the Door
For many traders doorstep selling is a viable method of selling goods or services to householders, or making collections for charities. Whilst cold calling is not currently illegal, it is a practice that the vast majority of people do not want. Some people may find it intimidating, frightening and intrusive not to mention irritating and frustrating at times.
The majority of people who knock on your door ARE likely to be genuine. However, it is important to know that, in some cases, some are rogue traders, doorstep criminals and uninvited sales people and may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home or selling you something that you don’t want or need.
Is it a crime?
So-called ‘doorstep crime’ often results from an initial cold call. Unscrupulous traders will prey on the elderly and vulnerable members of society, carry out unnecessary, substandard and sometimes even dangerous work and then use strong arm tactics to persuade consumers to part with large sums of money for poor workmanship. In addition, burglars may use cold calling as a pretext to engage in distraction burglary or sneak-in thefts.
Keep an eye out in your neighbourhood. If you are suspicious of traders calling in the area, you should contact the local Police, or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
If you need work doing on your home use traders who can be personally recommended to you, and try to get a number of quotes. If you have paid someone to do some work on your home, and you are concerned about the standard, get further advice from Consumer Direct by calling 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
Changed your mind?
If you enter into a contract with a trader to buy goods or services worth over £35 when you are at home, consumers are protected by extra laws. Traders should provide you with a prescribed written notice of your cancellation rights and, providing your contract is not exempt, you have a period of 7 days from receipt of this notice to cancel. As long as you haven’t agreed in writing for work to commence within these seven days, you should receive a full refund of any money paid. Want to get further advice? Then call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
Why not consider setting up a Cold Calling Control Zone?
Cold Calling Control Zones are areas which are considered to be vulnerable to doorstep crime and where residents have, collectively, stated that they do not want cold callers. The main aim of the zones, clearly identified by signs on lamp posts at the main entrance and exit points, is to prevent incidents of doorstep crime, raise awareness of the activities of rogue traders and give residents the confidence to say NO to uninvited callers as a community.
As part of the initiative, residents are provided with a sticker to display in the window and an information booklet explaining the initiative and who to call should they experience any problems. They will also be offered the opportunity to take part in regular workshops and consultation sessions to ensure the zones are sustainable and effective.
In response to increasing complaints about cold callers and doorstep crime, and as part of our doorstep crime initiative, West Yorkshire Trading Standards has implemented over 29 successful Cold Calling Control Zones throughout the county and continue to play an integral part in the development of potential zones. A successful zone is currently live in Crofton, and was established through a partnership between West Yorkshire Trading Standards, WDH and the Parish Council.
For further information, please visit http://www.ts.wyjs.org.uk/wyjs-trading-doorstep-crime.asp, or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
WDH is proud to bring you this information in association with West Yorkshire Trading Standards and Consumer Direct.
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further information
Safety in the home... At Wakefield and District Housing we are strongly committed to ensuring you live in a safe, functional and comfortable environment.
Wakefield District Community Safety Partnership... All the organisations in this partnership are working together to help reduce crime and the fear of crime, by making sure that people feel safer in places where they live, work, attend school and socialise.
Anti–social behaviour... To tackling nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
Personal safety... WDH wants to promote a safe and secure environment for people to live in. We want to do everything we can to prevent anti-social behaviour before it starts.
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