In the likelihood of damage caused by Storm Doris – Northamptonshire County Council Trading Standards is issuing a warning for people to beware of bogus cold callers.
Trading Standards has advised that rogue traders could use the unusually stormy weather as a way of persuading people that they need work done on their property or garden – such as repairing loose roof tiles or removing damaged trees.
The advice is that if people are concerned about a caller at the door or suspect that rogue doorstep traders or distraction burglars are operating in their community, to contact the dedicated Doorstep crime Action Network (DAN) number 0345 23 07 702.
And if they believe a crime is in progress, please dial 999. Remember, IF YOU’RE NOT SURE DON’T OPEN THE DOOR.
Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, county council deputy leader and cabinet member for public protection, said: “The advice of Trading Standards is NOT to buy goods or services from a cold caller on your doorstep, even if they try and frighten you that the work needs doing immediately.
“If you do need work carried out around your home or garden, Trading Standards operates an approved trader scheme.
“There is also the Government backed Trust Mark scheme; And it's always worth checking with your house insurance company first, as in some policies there is emergency assistance support already included”
For information about Buy With Confidence, the Trading Standards approved trader scheme please go to www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/approvedtraders or telephone 0300 126 1000.
For information about the Government-backed Trust Mark scheme, go tohttps://www.trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman.
In partnership with Northamptonshire Police, the county council is able to provide No Cold Calling stickers. Please contact 01604 368100 if you require a sticker for you or your neighbours.