West Yorkshire Trading Standards warns of Summer Rogue Traders

Latest Consumer Direct figures reveal there were over 1170 doorstep selling complaints in Yorkshire and Humber.  In a push to protect the vulnerable, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)’s Summer Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers. 

Research conducted on behalf of the OFT highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams. One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal. 

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus, however unlawful traders can be unscrupulous and use a range of persuasive tactics to sell seemingly irresistible offers to unsuspecting and often vulnerable people in their homes.  I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches.  No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision.  If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”

Judith Frame, Head of Campaigns at OFT said: “Complaints about home maintenance and illegitimate doorstep sellers traditionally peak in the summer months.  While it is not illegal to canvas for work door to door, rogue doorstep trading remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly who live alone.  Decisions made on the doorstep can result in a great amount of distress for those who are duped out of money for substandard products or services.  It is crucial to be aware of your consumer rights and share this knowledge.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said: ‘We know that the summer months are always rife with bogus trades people touting for business on the doorstep, particularly where we’ve had issues such as local flooding.  Follow our advice to make sure you’re getting the deal you think you are.’

The OFT offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips

Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.

1. Don’t sign on the spot
Don’t feel pressured to agree on the spot- if you are interested in what they are selling, you can ask them to come back at another time that is more convenient for you, maybe when you have someone else with you or you’ve shopped around.

2. Check the trader’s identity
Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine. Don’t use the number on their card. Check if the trader is a member of a reputable trade body, like the Direct Selling Association, whose members should ensure their salespeople sell responsibly.

3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
Don't get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques. Don’t be hurried into a decision even if there is a discount. The discount might be on a price that is too high in the first place.

4. Always shop around for the best price
Check with other companies offering the same product first. Make sure the price and product is right for you.

5. Read the small print
Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights. It’s best to ask salespeople to call back so you can do this in your own time – don’t be rushed into signing before you feel ready.

6. Double check the facts
Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction – including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees or warranties. Only agree to make a purchase once you’re entirely satisfied that the transaction is acceptable.

7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion
Take the time to talk to someone you trust – for example your family, a friend or carer – before you sign anything.

8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit
Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this (even if they need materials). Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to take money out.

9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away
If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.

10. Trust your instincts
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

And finally ... it’s OK to say no

Remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. If you feel pressured for any reason ask the person to leave.

If in doubt, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06

East North East Homes Leeds proactive against burglary

West Yorkshire Police have identified an increase in burglaries across the region, where the locks of uPVC doors (including French and Patio Doors) have been forced to gain entry.

East North East Homes Leeds are working in partnership with local social enterprise CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime) taking a proactive approach to this growing problem; upgrading the door locks and home security on all of their properties. 

The locks that CASAC fit meet the newly introduced Sold Secure Diamond Standard, which addresses the problem of lock snapping.

Cllr Ron Grahame, ENEHL Board Director and Ward Member for Burmantofts and Richmond Hill said “tackling the unacceptable levels of burglary in the City is a key priority for ENEHL and the Council.  Our partnership work with CASAC to upgrade euro cylinder locks as part of target hardening of public and private sector homes is really helping to reduce the burglar’s activities.  Burglary in my Ward has reduced significantly over the last few months helped by this work with CASAC, along with other work done with Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police and other key partners” 

CASAC is a West Yorkshire based charitable social enterprise that works with local people, the Police and other statutory agencies to improve community safety and is dedicated to reducing crime and the fear of crime. All profits are reinvested back into local communities.

Neil Goldup, Chief Executive of CASAC says: “We are delighted to be working with East North East Homes to tackle the euro cylinder lock issue on properties and make residents safer in their homes. After installing our security devices the chances of being burgled again are greatly reduced. It’s this fact which deters burglars from trying to break into a property once they have seen we have made it more secure.”

Beating Burglars in Bramley

BBC Look North filming CASAC Burglary Reduction in Bramley

CASAC (Community Action and Support AgainstCrime) has been awarded funding from Leeds City Council’s crime and disorder reduction partnership Safer Leeds. The funding will provide free Target Hardening (increasing security on homes) to properties in Bramley, Leeds.

Initially the project will begin in the Warrells, Henley and Bellmount areas of Bramley. CASAC security engineers and PCSOs from West Yorkshire Police will be visiting properties to arrange a free home security assessment. If security upgrades are needed following the assessment, then these will be fitted free of charge.

Neil Goldup, Chief Executive of CASAC said: “While the dark nights linger on, it is sensible to get an expert check on how secure your home is. CASAC engineers are happy to carry this out and then follow it up with any installation of required security devices such as door and window locks. Both services are free of charge in these areas.”

Commenting on the initiative, Inspector Mark Wheeler of The West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said, "With the darker nights now upon us, this is a key time to reiterate our message about home security. Whilst your local officers supported by other colleagues continue to conduct both highly visible and covert patrols in the area, it is important that residents take simple steps to further minimise the risk of being the victim of crime. Your local PCSOs are happy to provide crime prevention advice and I urge residents to check their local NPT website for further details."

For a free home security assessment call CASAC on 0845 519 2122 or visit www.casac.org.uk

Watch CASAC on BBC Look North discussing the burglary problem in Leeds and recent target hardening initiatives in Bramley, Leeds.

101 is the New Non-Emergency Contact for West Yorkshire Police

From today, West Yorkshire Police has a new contact number for you to ring when it’s not an emergency.

101 gives the public one easy way to get in touch with the police for calls that do not need an urgent response. 101 is easy to remember and easy to call.

You can call 101 to report a crime that has already happened, ask for crime prevention advice or give the police information. In an emergency always call 999.

When you call the 101 number the operator will take down information about what has happened and, if necessary, arrange an appointment for an officer to come and see you.

It is not the number to call if an emergency is happening and you need an officer to come straight away.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, in charge of the Operations Support Services Department, said: “Switching to the new non-emergency number will make West Yorkshire Police easier to remember and easier to call.

“All calls to 101 cost just 15p, even from a mobile and no matter how long it lasts for.

“101 will in no way replace the 999 emergency number but will instead complement it – one number for emergencies and one for non-emergency situations.”

As well as calling 101 or 999 the public can also contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team, report minor crime online, visit a police station or attend a PACT meeting.
Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired people can use textphone 18001 101.

“101 is just one of the ways we are making ourselves more accessible to the public,” added ACC Milsom. “We want residents to use the new number – and to use it appropriately.”

Last year the Force answered an average of 1,221 emergency (999) calls every day – but one in 10 of these should have either gone to another organisation entirely or to the new 101 number.

Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, Chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, said 101 was a significant move to making the police even more accessible.

“101 gives the public a memorable non-emergency number so they can get in touch with West Yorkshire Police,” he said. "It will make crime easier to report and help the police to tackle crime and disorder."

“In our consultation with local communities we know that many people have difficulty remembering the old 0845 number and the idea of a 3-digit code should hopefully solve this problem.”

The move to 101 has the full backing of all Forces in England and Wales and neighbouring Forces across Yorkshire and the Humber are also switching to the new national number during November and December.

If people call the old 0845 6060606 number they will hear a recorded message informing them to ring 101 in future.

If West Yorkshire residents would like their home security upgraded by CASAC then they should call 0845 519 2122 or visit www.casac.org.uk

Community Partnership Initiative Reaches Out To Older Residents

How many times do you receive a telephone call, open your post or turn on your computer to find you have unexpectedly won a prize in a prize draw or lottery? receive a knock at the door from an unwanted salesman? or need advise on money matters, switching utilities and getting the best deals?

A community focused consumer protection campaign funded by Bradford South Area Committee is being delivered by West Yorkshire Trading Standards in the Royds area of Bradford.

This innovative project launched in June and is aimed at raising awareness and empowering the ward’s older adult residents with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves against scammers and fraudsters, rogue traders, doorstep criminals and bogus callers.

It will provide opportunities for individuals and groups to actively participate in education, training and community development and will help them to develop skills, knowledge and experience to actively protect themselves in their home and the community.

To build community capacity, the programme will also include delivering training sessions to PCSOs, Neighbourhood Wardens, and community workers  on doorstep crime activities, scams and frauds, providing longer term support within the community for vulnerable residents. 

The Trading Standards Rapid Response team will also support the programme, providing immediate support where vulnerable residents are involved with rogue/itinerant traders in their home.  Appropriate enforcement action will be taken against those tradespeople found to be operating illegally.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards is also looking for community champions to take part in this project. It is aimed at anybody with an interest in protecting their neighbourhood and becoming an active neighbour. If you are already doing this we would like you to come along to some of our workshops and share your enthusiasm. Volunteers will be trained as ‘community champions’ that will be the eyes and ears of the community alerting Trading Standards to any localised issues.

For more information about the project please contact Suzanne Kitchen on 0113 3939817 or e-mail education@wyjs.org.uk