Thursday, 28 August 2008
Safer Doncaster Partnership is working with South Yorkshire Trading Standards on a combination of initiatives designed to reduce the number of burglaries and other crimes committed by strangers who call on householders and use various tactics to gain entry.
One of these is the "Stranger at the Door " initiative. Community Safety Wardens are carrying out presentations to community groups and individuals giving information and advice on how to deal with callers to your home. Their key message is that YOU are in control. You do not have to open the door to anyone. And the advice of Trading Standards and the Police is not to open your door until you are completely satisfied that the caller is genuine. A support pack has been produced, by Trading Standards, and Police, to accompany the presentations.
Most callers to your home will be people you know, or are expecting, and officials who need to visit you will usually make an appointment. All official agencies will carry Identification, which includes a picture, and will not mind waiting whilst you check it. Ask them to post it through the letter box so you can look at it and make a phone call if you are in any doubt.
The Stranger at Your Door could be "legitimately" wanting to sell you something, or offer a service. But Trading Standards find that reputable companies don't need to "cold call" to get business, so traders using these methods of selling their services are likely to be unscrupulous, over charging, using pressure selling techniques, or providing inferior goods and poor quality workmanship. so think twice before you open the door to them. Contact Doncaster Council's Trading Standards on Doncaster 01302 737552 for more information on how to deal with doorstep callers, or advice on any other consumer issue. If you are a member of a group who you think would benefit from a presentation please phone 736000.
