WARNINGS FROM TRADING STANDARDS
18th August 2008
1)Warning to Businesses .... Itinerant workmen are targeting businesses in
the County offering tarmacing work for cash. Some are claiming to be approved
WSCC contractors working in the area and having spare tarmac left over. This
is not true. Complaints have been received that the price agreed before the
work is sometimes tripled when the final bill is given.
DO NOT BE CAUGHT OUT Unlike consumers, businesses have no right to cancel a
contract entered into as a result of a 'cold call'. Trading Standards' advice
is not to deal with 'cold callers' making attractive claims, but to contact
a reputable firm who can give genuine recommendations from customers and a written
quotation. What sounds too good to be true probably is. If you are approached
by such cold callers, please let Trading Standards know on 01243 642124. West
Sussex County Council runs the approved trader scheme 'Buy with Confidence'.
A number of these approved businesses are able to carry out tarmac work - log
on to www.buywithconfidence.info and search under 'driveway work'. We are always
looking for new businesses of all types to join this scheme. You can also recommend
a trader if you feel someone local to you would be a suitable member.
2)Free Electric Blanket testing Free electric blanket safety testing events are once again being offered by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service in partnership with local Borough and District Councils and West Sussex Fire Brigade. Of the 734 blankets tested in 2007 a shocking 267 failed, 53 of these were considered dangerous, 214 were not recommended for further use. Old electric blankets often become worn, with mechanical damage and deterioration of the heating elements and wiring. If your electric blanket is more than 10 years old it is strongly recommended that you replace it. There are electric blanket fires every day, nearly all of which involve old electric blankets.
To book your FREE electric blanket safety test call 01243 642124 for an appointment. This years' venues and dates are: October 2008 13th - Age Concern, Pauline Thaw Centre, Dale Avenue, Hassocks 14th - The Grange, Bepton Road, Midhurst 15th - Help Point, East Grinstead library, East Grinstead 16th - Summers Close, St Aubyns Cresecent, Fishersgate 17th - Newpark Centre, Newpark Road, Chichester 20th - Selsey Centre, Manor Road, Selsey 21st - Millward Court, Wilmot Road, Shoreham 22nd - Worthing Fire Station 23rd - Worthing Fire Station 24th - Wick Hall, 76 Wick Street, Wick, Littlehampton
17th July 2008. Throughout August, Trading Standards are encouraging all West
Sussex residents and West Sussex-based businesses to pass details of any scams
to us. Businesses and consumers are both targeted with regularity.
My polite request is that (where relevant) news of our project is either passed
directly to your customers, trade members, published in your local directory,
or put on your website. Every library in West Sussex is geared up to receive
any evidence of attempted scams during August. This information will then be
passed to us. Although many scams arrive through the post we are keen to hear
of any attempted scams. Trading Standards will review all of the information
we receive. We will not be replying directly to each person who submits paperwork.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer
Direct, for clear practical consumer advice on 0845 04 05 06. This is an information
gathering exercise with the intention of gauging the current problems in West
Sussex.
This project follows-on from the Office of Fair Trading `Scamnesty` project
which ran in February 2008.
Thank you for your co-operation. If you need any more information or would like
a poster sent to you, please contact Neil Hewitt at neil.hewitt@westsussex.gov.uk
28/04/08. Unsolicited Direct Marketing Calls Trading Standards have received complaints from consumers who are getting unsolicited telephone messages from persons alleging to be Debt Clearing Agents, Banking Centres and Consumer Advisers. The content of the recorded messages left after these calls indicates that by pressing button 5 on the phone you can find out more. These calls appear to originate outside of the U.K. and therefore are outside of the scope of the Telephone Preference Service. On investigation, if you press any button you probably be charged for the call. Although the contact numbers left are not premium rate numbers there are no controls for marketing calls made within the U.S.A. - unless they are made on behalf of a U.K. company. Please be forewarned! Should advice on debt be required, see contacts below - Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) the helpline provides free and impartial advice to people with debt problems. The freephone helpline is open between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Friday. www.cccs.co.uk 0800 138 1111 National Debtline - the helpline offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone. The freephone helpline is open between 9am and 9pm from Monday to Friday, Saturday 9.30 am to 1pm. 24 hr voicemail for requests for information packs or factsheet. www.nationaldebtline.co.uk 0808 808 4000 Citizens Advice Bureaux - you can find your local CAB by searching the website or your local telephone directory. Citizens Advice Bureaux provides free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations. www.citizensadvice.org.uk
21/02/008. Please be aware that Trading Standards and the Police have received various reports of cold calling across West Sussex by persons claiming to be representatives of such organisations as the: Waterboard Gas and electricity suppliers TV licence inspectors Collectors of old washing machines, dishwashers etc Always think twice before you open your door to anyone that you do not know. Our advice as always is: STOP - Are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment? Secure your door with a CHAIN before opening the door Ask for and CHECK any ID that the caller gives you. Do not use the telephone number given on the ID but use a telephone number from the telephone book. If you are in any doubt about a caller to your door then please call Trading Standards Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or the Police on 0845 60 70 999.
12/02/2008 Dear All We have received reports about a company who is cold calling on West Sussex residents offering therapy aids such as massage beds and chairs following a free massage. The company appears to be targeting elderly residents. Many of the reports we have received are from residents who have not liked their selling methods and have taken Trading Standards advice of "don't buy at the door", (a big well done to all of those). Any allegations of high pressure sales are extremely worrying, and we are very interested in all information you are able to pass to us that make this allegation. The company gives seven day cancellation rights, (a requirement for nearly all contracts made after cold calling), so if anyone has signed up on the spot and wishes to cancel, they can do so providing they act quickly. If you or any person you know has a medical condition that could be addressed by any of these type of therapy aids, please seek advice from your doctor first - to make sure that any aids purchased are suitable for your needs. You may also find any equipment that is required is far cheaper elsewhere.
20/12/2007. Queries re bank/card details Please treat ALL telephone calls, e-mails etc that are asking you for your credit card numbers and/or bank details with extreme caution. By confirming these details you could be open to other people using your credit card details to do their shopping. If you receive a telephone call or e-mail purporting to be from your bank - do not give any personal details - end the call and report it to your bank/building society, using the telephone number from the telephone book. They will be able to inform you whether the call was genuine.
5/12/2007. Gardening Services. This is the time of year when we have bad weather and high winds which can have a drastic effect on our gardens, please warn your members not to deal at the door when choosing a gardener. If your garden needs clearing etc, please talk to a friend, relative or neighbour for recommendations, if you are in any doubt contact Trading Standards on 01243 642124 and we will be able to provide you with a list of gardeners, tree cutters etc in your area from our approved trader list - Buy With Confidence.
5/12/2007. Prize Draws. If you receive a letter congratulating you on winning a prize - before you telephone the promoter to claim your prize, ask yourself - have I entered a competition? Many of the prize draw letters give a premium rate telephone number for you to call, and there could be other hidden costs involved in claiming a prize they you may not have won. If you are in ANY doubt throw the letter out!!
27/10/07. Trading Standards have received an e-mail asking about a possible scam e-mail. If you should receive an e-mail, card or telephone call asking you to call a number in order to arrange collection for a parcel etc, before you call the number log into www.phonepayplus.org.uk. When you are taken to the site, click on the option "for the public" where you will find you can check a telephone number - which will give you all the current information on that number. This may not necessarily work for every possible scam e-mail that you receive, but it is always a good idea to check on-line if you have received something that you are not of.
23/10/07 Meter Readers --- Please be advised that we are receiving reports from around West Sussex of at least two males visiting residents homes claiming to be meter readers (electric meters). The incidents have so far taken place in the Worthing and Selsey areas. We do not know if the men are working together, as they are operating in separate areas. Please remember not to let anyone into your home without first asking for and checking ID. Never use the telephone number that is given on any ID offered - always use the telephone number listed in the telephone directory. If a caller/trader to your door has no ID - do not let them into your home.
11/10/07. Antique Dealers --- We have received reports from a resident in the Billingshurst area of a male who entered her house and started looking at various items, claiming that his son was interested in making a deal. He had seen the items from outside of the residents home. He is described as tallish, white hair, wearing a dark suit. Please do not deal at the door. If someone tries to gain access to your home because they "noticed some items in your window" - do not let them in.
30/08/07. We have been receiving various reports from around West Sussex of the following incidences: A male has been approaching residents on several occasions trying to sell generators and pressure washers. Male is described as late 50's, with what is believed to be an Irish accent, driving a white van. In another incident a group of men (about 4) have been calling at residents homes looking for people who want to recycle their metal doors. As always, we advise - DO NOT DEAL AT THE DOOR. If you have something to sell - seek advice from an expert or ask friends and family where you are most likely to be able to sell your items. If someone wants to sell you something - ALWAYS ASK FOR and CHECK ID. Do not use the telephone number that they supply you with but check in the TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.
25/08/07.We have received further reports from the Police re people cold calling on residents in the Bolney and West Chiltington areas. Please remember, because they have been reported in the above areas it does not mean that they won't be near you soon - they ALWAYS move on!! Dealer in Books, Silver Clocks, Paintings, China, Jewellery, Watches etc A man has been reported cold calling at a residents home claiming to be a dealer in Books, Silver Clocks, Paintings, China, Jewellery, Watches etc. He is described as aged between 65 to 70, in a dark suit, with fine, grey, receding hair, medium to stocky build. He is wearing a gold ring in the shape of a horse shoe with a diamond centre, gold neck chain with crucifix, he is also wearing a ring on his little finger. He has not left any leaflets, and we do not have a description of any vehicle. Please remember, if you are offered a "price" for goods in your home it is most likely not to be anywhere near it's true value - ALWAYS seek the opinion of an EXPERT. Speak to your family and friends BEFORE you part with ANYTHING. If a batch of items is worth £25 to them - you can be sure that just one item from the batch will be of a LOT MORE VALUE to you!! Tarmaccer Again, we have received reports with regard to a male cold calling at a residents homes offering to do the residents drive with "some spare tarmac". In this particular incident the male claimed that he wanted to try out his "new" tarmac machine. We do not have a description of the "tarmaccer" but he was seen in a dark blue saloon vehicle. Our Advice: NEVER DEAL AT THE DOOR ALWAYS ASK FOR AND CHECK ID (do not use any telephone number the caller gives you - ALWAYS use a number listed in the telephone book IF IN ANY DOUBT - KEEP THEM OUT If anyone ACTS or APPEARS to be SUSPICIOUS call the POLICE 0845 6070999 OR Trading Standards 08454 040506
23/08/07. Dangers of dealing at the door:- We have received reports from the Police with regard to the East Grinstead area whereby a man has been delivering leaflets to residents home. The leaflet is believed to concern bric-a-brac. The male has then returned - normally the next day and in this instance was allowed access to a residents home. The male looked around the whole house and selected various items, including furniture and ornaments. The resident was unhappy about some of the items the male took, but was not able to stop this happening. She was paid a minimum amount of money but it is unlikely that this payment was in anyway near the true value. If you, your family or friends are told they have items worth money - ALWAYS seek the opinion of an EXPERT BEFORE you pass with any items of jewellery, furniture or "bric-a-brac" as is often the term used by callers to your door. If you have received such a leaflet - please contact Trading Standards on 08454 040506.
22/08/07. Residents in West Sussex have reported that they have received telephone calls from someone claiming to be from a local radio station. They are being told, for example, that if they can give the names of four spice girls they could win £1,000. One resident could only remember three and was told that they had won £500 - the caller then went on to ask for the residents telephone number, address and bank details - including her PIN number. A telephone call to the local radio station revealed this to be a bogus competition. Our advice to you is if you receive such a call - as soon as someone asks you for your bank details - PUT THE PHONE DOWN. Never disclose your personal details to anyone - especially if they ask for bank details. Please report such calls to: Trading Standards - 08454 040506 OR Police on 0845 60 70 999
09/08/07. Here is recently received information with regard to a trader cold calling at a residents home selling tea towels. He showed the resident what he claimed to be a licence from the police. With regard to licences/certificates the police say that they that can be obtained in order for an individual to trade door to door. The certificate that would be held by such a trader is known as a Pedlar Certificate - this would be granted by a Chief Constable. A "pedlar" (also known as a "petty chapman", "hawker" or "merchant") in essence, is someone who travels and trades on foot, offers his/her skills in handicrafts, and carries goods for immediate sale. This describes the people going from door to door selling dusters, pictures and so on. The certificate is valid for one year and applies throughout the United Kingdom. Certificates cannot be issued to persons under the age of 17. The Certificate will also have a picture of the holder. A Pedlars Certificate is applied for through a local police station. A person who acts as a pedlar without a certificate commits an offence. It is not possible for members of the public to obtain or access a list of holders of Pedlars Certificates. If you are in any doubt about a pedlar who comes to your door then contact your local Police. Obtain the name and number from the Certificate for checking by the Police. It should also be noted that even though someone holds a genuine pedlars certificate this is not a guarantee of the quality of any goods or whether the holder is trustworthy or not. DOUBLE CHECK ALL IDENTIFICATION BEFORE DEALING AT THE DOOR - NO MATTER HOW GENUINE THE CALLER MAY APPEAR
08/08/07. A West Sussex resident faces an £8,000 bill after falling for a con trick. The man was approached by a gang of tarmac-layers saying they were working for the council and had some left over – offering to lay it for free. The resident, who isn’t being identified, agreed to allow the men to roll it out, but asked them to fill some potholes. He then signed an open-ended contract agreeing to pay two pounds per square foot. The gang set to work – and demanded £8,000 when the job was completed. This has not been paid. The case is now in the hands of Trading Standards Officers, who have issued an urgent warning to West Sussex households about the gang. They claim to be working for “Sussex County Council” and are ripping off victims for thousands of pounds. Intelligence shows that the gang are currently operating mainly along the Brighton to Chichester corridor, although the recent incident occurred in Mid Sussex. They cold-call victims and offer to carry out tarmacing work for reasonable rates. Once the work is started, the rates increase by up to 10 times, and consumers have been intimidated when they refuse to pay. “If anyone offers to carry out such work at your home, you can be sure they are not from West Sussex County Council or its contractors May Gurney Ltd or Amey plc. “If this gang turns up on your doorstep then please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”
27/07/07. Various "scam" letters are circulating at the moment, details are given below:
Singapore - A variation of the Nigerian Letter Fraud is "doing the rounds".
Residents within West Sussex are receiving letters from an alleged auditor working
for a bank in Singapore. This letter informs them that they may be the last
surviving relative of "a deceased investor" and that they could be in line to
receive 20% of anything from 3.9 million to 30 million us dollars held in an
account at the bank. The person receiving the letter is asked for their bank
account details to arrange a transfer of the funds. Needless to say unforeseen
difficulties are experienced by the bank and an advance fee of several thousand
pounds is requested.
London and Italy Other scams alleging "inheritance" are being received from
companies operating in London and Italy. In some cases residents are being asked
to "pose" as a relative of the deceased so that access to an account can be
achieved.
PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY TO THESE LETTERS / E-MAILS. TRADING STANDARDS
ADVISE THAT YOU DO NOT GIVE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS TO ANY UNKNOWN PERSON
OR BUSINESS. THIS INFORMATION COULD BE USED TO EMPTY YOUR BANK ACCOUNT OR IF
YOU SEND MONEY UP FRONT YOU STAND TO LOSE IT DO NOT ALLOW SOMEONE TO PERSUADE
YOU TO POSE AS SOMEONE YOU ARE NOT - THIS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE RESIDENTS SHOULD
BE VERY WARY OF OFFERS TO GET RICH QUICK
25/07/07. Please note that we have received reports of "scam e-mails" being sent to customers of Lloyds TSB. Please use the link below to take you to Lloyds TSB site and the latest information on scam e-mails. This should be read by all people who use a bank/on-line banking etc. Many thanks http://www.lloydstsb.com/security.asp?link=side_navigation
18/07/07. The Police have been receiving reports from across West Sussex which could involve Identity Theft. In the latest incident a male, accompanied by a female are cold calling at residents homes and offering to sell various types of goods including bed linen. The couple are claiming to be from a catalogue company - Providence was the name used on this occasion, the name Homestyle has been given previously. Goods are sold from the "back of a van". They have a white transit van and a red transit van. No vehicle registration has been taken at this time. Customers are asked for their National Insurance Number and are told that they can pay the balance for the goods in small amounts, the couple say they will come back each week to collect payments. No receipt is given with the goods, customers are given a piece of paper with the name of Alan on it and his mobile number - needless to say the mobile telephone is not being answered when customers call it. The male is described as in his forties, between 5ft and 6ft, short brown hair. The female is described as white, aged 23 - 24, petite, and elegantly dressed. Unfortunately some people have given their National Insurance Number to this couple. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THESE DETAILS TO ANYONE - ASK YOURSELF - WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED YOUR NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER? By giving your national insurance number you could be open to identity theft. They know your name, address and quite possibly your date of birth. Trading Standards advise - DO NOT DEAL AT THE DOOR. YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH. DO NOT GIVE A TOTAL STRANGER PERSONAL DETAILS. Although it is tempting to enter into an arrangement whereby you believe you are getting a bargain, or can pay in small amounts for goods - do you really need them? Where is the catalogue they claim to work for? Is there a telephone number for them in the telephone book? Are the goods really of a good quality - who can you contact if something goes wrong with the items. If you, your friends or family are approached by this couple or anyone else asking for your national insurance number or similar personal details, please call the Police on 0845 6070 999, quoting serial number 476 of 12/07/07. You should also contact Trading Standards on 01243 642124.
11/07/07. Trading Standards have received reports of cold calling in West Sussex from person(s) claiming to be Trading Standards Registered. Please be aware that Trading Standards operate an approved trader scheme called By with Confidence. Traders in the scheme are not permitted to cold call. For a list of traders on the Buy with Confidence scheme: www.westsussex.gov.uk/tradingstandards
09/07/07. Residents of West Sussex are advised to be aware of leaflets requesting donations for unwanted clothing etc. Most are NOT from charities - but from moneymaking companies. Reports have been received from across West Sussex about a variety of leaflets requesting clothing that may give consumers the impression that they are donating to charities. Careful reading of the leaflets indicate that the donations are actually used to "provide jobs" and "affordable second-hand clothing" in less developed countries. In other words it is a company making a profit. There is nothing obviously illegal in this as any company is entitled to make a profit, however many people may be misled into thinking their donations are going to charity. Many of the leaflets quote a limited company name and registration number. This should not be confused with a charity number and our investigations have revealed that most of these companies are dissolved or under consideration for being struck off, generally due to failing to register accounts. It is recommended that if you want to make a donation to a good cause, give them to a High Street Charity or a nationally recognised charity that offers a collection service, this will ensure no one is taking advantage of your generosity.
09/07/07. There are concerns that cold callers are trying to get round Regulations requiring a seven day cancellation notice to be given when cold calling and selling expensive health goods. Law abiding companies will ensure that any consumer is given a written cancellation notice. This legal right to cancel exists when a consumer enters into a contract as a result of an "unsolicited" phone call or personal visit to their home. The notice should inform consumers they have a right to cancel within seven days of making a contract, and who they should contact in order to do so. There are a variety of tactics used by some companies to try and get round the "right to cancel": Encouraging consumers to enter a prize draw, and including a tick box on the form indicating they would like the company to call whether or not they have won the prize. Many consumers inadvertently tick the box - this means that when they are contacted by the company and agree a visit, any contract they sign may be legally binding. Encouraging a residential home to allow a demonstration in the communal area followed by sales of high priced items taking place in residents own accommodation. Often the goods, such as orthopaedic beds, are a much higher price than elsewhere. Do not be pressurised into making decisions quickly at home. Consumers should think twice before agreeing to buy. Ask yourself "Do I really need/want the product", "Will it really help my health". If you are interested in any of the products a cold caller is selling Trading Standards advise that you: Think very carefully before agreeing to buy Speak to friends and family - can they recommend anyone Shop around for other suppliers of the same products Steps are being taken to make it law for cancellation notices to be issued even after a solicited visit. High pressure sales will be specifically outlawed next April. Please remember it doesn't matter how much Legislation is passed, there will always be unscrupulous traders who will cold call and exploit older and vulnerable people by failing to give them their rights. Although Trading Standards are committed to catching up with these people it can be very challenging when a consumer may not have been given a correct name and address and have already given their money to a cold caller. If you are aware of any cold callers offering "health" products please contact Trading Standards Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
12/06/07. Help us put the heat on cold callers, says watchdog Consumer watchdogs who recently put the bite on two dodgy doorstep dealers and saved local residents from losing thousands of pounds want to hear from people who have been conned by criminal cold callers. A number of residents paid a total of £5000 to a trader who cold called and offered to do work on roofing, guttering or fencing. They agreed to him undertaking the work and paid all or some of the agreed cost. But in all cases, little or no work was done before the trader left. The consumers had difficulty contacting him and any promised refunds were not made. Brian Stone, Head of Consumer Services, West Sussex County Council Trading Standards, said: "We learned about these incidents after the event - too late for us to attend and intervene to protect the residents. "However, after we made contact with him he is now getting back to his customers and some work is being completed. We wait to see if promised refunds are made." When the Trading Standards watchdogs do hear in time, they are able to immediately attend and assist consumers. Brian said: "Last week, for example, after contact from her family, we successfully intervened saving an 84 years old East Preston resident from paying £900 demanded by a cold calling trader for cutting down a small tree and clipping a few small branches from a second tree. "Anybody who has been caught out by cold calling traders, or who knows about others who have been, or is concerned about work being done at a vulnerable, friend, relative or neighbour's should contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506." Lionel Barnard, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "Despite previous publicity, consumers are still falling victim to cold calling rogue traders offering household repairs, gardening and other property services. "To protect themselves from the risk of poor or unnecessary work and loss of money, I encourage all residents to 'Say No' to cold calling traders and to think twice before agreeing to any work. "If work is needed then contact Trading Standards for access to our list of approved Buy With Confidence Traders."
05/06/07. Penlands Way, Steyning - Patio Cleaners Cold calling - charging £200 for allegedly cleaning and sealing patio. The patio had been cleaned but not sealed. No description other than may have had an Irish accent.
10/05/07. SCAMS AGAIN! CHARITY OR CON ? Trading Standards are continuing to receive a lot of enquires from consumers who get " Clothing Collection leaflets" through their door inviting them to donate unwanted clothes. These leaflets state that they are collecting clothing to help people in various poor or disaster struck countries. They often give a misleading impression that the donated goods are for charity. Close examination of the leaflets usually reveals that the number quoted is a company registration number, not a charity number, and that the goods are resold to people thus creating jobs and providing cheap clothes. These leaflets do not necessarily breach the law, although in some instances they may do. (for example if they actually state they are for charity and are not) On investigation, some of the company registrations on these leaflets belong to dissolved companies. Please advise consumers that if they wish to make sure unwanted goods go to charity they should donate goods to a nationally recognised charity that offers a collection service. If consumers are unsure as to whether an organisation is a genuine charity they can contact the Charity Collection Commission help line on 0845 300 0218
03/05/07. SPANISH LOTTERIES. Trading Standards are continuing to receive numerous reports from across West Sussex of Spanish Lottery Scams and warn residents to be on the look out for Scam Lotteries, particularly those from Spain. Last month Trading Standards received a report about a West Sussex pensioner who fell for the Spanish Lottery scam and lost his life savings of £115,000. The pensioner received a letter claiming to be from a firm of attorneys in Madrid saying he had won over 850,000 Euros on the Spanish Lottery. When he contacted them he was told to pay for administration costs before the money could be released. He was then asked for: - Money for Spanish tax - European tax - Money laundering certificate - Spanish surtax - Security clearance and stamp duty In all, he was given 14 different reasons to part with his life savings before he could receive the ?winnings?. As is usual in these sorts of scams he was also told not to tell anyone. But when his funds were exhausted he sought advice from Consumer Direct. This scam displays some of the key sophisticated methods used to hook consumers, including · Slick, professional leaflets suggesting you have won a prize (without entering the competition). · Secrecy ? telling you not to tell anyone. · Sending money up front. Please warn people to look out for scams and never pay any money in order to receive future winnings. It will always be a scam. If you are aware of anyone who has lost money or been tempted by these devious mailings please ask them to call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
26/04/07. ALL AREAS - Theft/Cold Calling. Police advise residents to be aware of an increase in the theft of purses etc from supermarkets and shops, particularly ladies boutiques in the Bognor, Chichester and Petworth areas. The victim will be either bumped into and their purse/bag/wallet stolen, or these items are taken from shopping trolleys or an open or unattended bag. Trading Standards advise residents to be extra vigilant while shopping, and keep bags and wallets close to you. There have been more reports of people cold calling at doors, claiming to be, amongst others - double glazing representatives, duster sellers, antique dealers, meter readers, checking electrics, mobile phone sellers. The phone seller has been seen in the Selsey area with a tag around his neck with a name badge stating Larry, he was in a residents back garden making sketches in a notebook. When challenged he stated that he was measuring the fence. Residents are reminded not to engage with any "cold callers" on the doorstep. Always keep the chain on your door, ask for ID and telephone the company the caller is representing by using a telephone number from the telephone book. If any work is required in or around your home only employ traders who have been recommended to you through friends or family. If in any doubt keep them out and call the police on 0845 607099 or call Trading Standards on 01243 642125. Trading Standards have a Buy with Confidence Scheme, for contact details for a particular trade please call 01243 642125.