Doorstep Traders Alert Issued |
30 Mar 2007 |
People in South Tyneside are being urged to be on
their guard against rogue traders.
The warning, from South Tyneside Council's Trading
Standards Team and Northumbria Police, comes after
doorstep callers approached an elderly resident in
Horsley Hill, South Shields.
The incident is currently under investigation, but
both the Council and police are taking the opportunity
to remind people to be cautious when receiving such
an approach.
Paul Walker, the Council's Head of Regulatory Services,
said: "I would advise people to think carefully
before contracting with anyone at the door. In the
worst cases of this type, it is impossible to trace
doorstep callers once money has been paid - even if
the work has not been done.
"In most cases, residents are entitled to written
cancellation rights when entering into a contract for
such things as building work, roofing work or gardening
services."
He added: "The Trading Standards team would like
to remind residents of the existence of the Safetrader
scheme, which can give peace of mind to people looking
for builders or home maintenance professionals."
The warning has also been sent by text message to
residents who have signed up to the Trading Standards
text message alert scheme.
Detective Sergeant Angela Redford, of South Tyneside
Area Command, said: "As the summer approaches,
the numbers of incidents involving bogus callers tends
to rise. Elderly people can feel vulnerable when they
are approached by strangers at their front door and
simply don't know what they should do. Police advise
that all residents should ask tradespeople for a written
quotation containing their name, address and telephone
number before you give them any money or they carry
out any work.
"If you are unsure of what to do, call a neighbour,
relative, friend, the police or the Council. The police
will always attend and speak to you as we are keen
to prosecute rogue traders. If you think the tradesperson
is suspicious, please try to make a note of what they
look like and the colour and type of vehicle they are
driving. If the trader is genuine, he or she will not
mind you contacting someone or providing you with written
details of themselves."
Elderly residents, or carers of elderly or vulnerable
people in South Tyneside, can join the text messaging
scheme by texting the word "doorstep" to
07786 200 802. Subscribers will then receive text messages
alerting them to scams or rogue traders operating in
the Borough.
Further information on the Safetrader scheme is available
on the Council's website www.southtyneside.info/safetraders
or a list of Safetraders can be requested by phoning
(0191) 424 7878.
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