Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police are continuing the ongoing joint work to tackle to problem of doorstep crime within Denbighshire.
Throughout the coming months Officers of Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police will be carrying out joint patrols in marked vehicles on the look out for rogue traders committing crimes on the public’s doorstep.
Ian Millington of Denbighshire Trading Standards, said “Doorstep crime and rogue traders cost the public millions of pounds every year, they target the elderly and vulnerable people in our communities, but with these joint patrols we are hoping to either catch them or send out a warning to such traders and show them that their activities are will not be tolerated”.
North Wales Police Sergeant Tony Latham said “We fully support this initiative and the collaboration with Trading Standards in North Wales to tackle these issues. Doorstep crime takes many forms; including unnecessary or poor quality work, false officials, distraction burglaries and scrap metal theft. Joint ‘high profile’ patrols, will send out a clear message that we are working together to relentlessly pursue those who carry out these unacceptable and distasteful crimes”.
If you would like more information on how to deal with doorstep crime then please visit the all Wales dedicated website created by the Welsh Heads of Trading Standards at www.doorstepcallers.co.uk
Please follow the this simple advice to try and help you stay safe in your own home,
The three step plan
Remember genuine callers will not mind waiting. It’s your home. You don’t have to let anyone in!
One: If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in – they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.
Two: Be prepared. Be in control. Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.
Three: Call a neighbour or the police. Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area – call 999.
If you think you may have been a victim of doorstep crime and would like some advice then please call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
