Doorstep Crime
What is it?
There are many forms of doorstep crime, the main types being
Distraction Burglary, Bogus Callers / Bogus Officials, High
Pressure Doorstep Selling and Rogue Traders. Due to the nature of
these crimes and the offender profiles Cheshire East Consumer
Protection and Investigations works closely with partner agencies
such as the Cheshire Constabulary to combat this intrusive and
often upsetting crime. Doorstep Crime is a major issue and a high
priority for Cheshire East Consumer Protection and Investigations,
we are actively engaged in a number of projects and innovative
approaches to tackle this type of crime and we are intelligence led
in our methodology.
Doorstep Crime can affect anyone but often older and vulnerable
adults are more at risk from becoming victims of bogus cold calling
and rogue doorstep
sellers.
Doorstep Callers and Sellers
Some traders who call at your door can be honest and genuine.
However, some are not and can be extremely persuasive. Examples of
bad practices associated with cold calling and doorstep selling
include pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or
substandard home maintenance or improvements, phoney consumer
surveys and bogus charity collections. Often services offered
through cold calling are home improvements and repairs, security
systems, mobility aids, gardening services, power washing, tarmac
and driveway repairs etc.
They may pressure you to agree for work to be done or to
conclude a sale. Tactics which are often used are:
- You’re made to feel grateful
- Made to feel you’ve lots in common
- There’s a sense of urgency in the offer, ‘one day only’
- You’re made to feel committed
- Made to feel you’ll be happy with product
- Sold a ‘sob story’ or their livelihood’s in danger
Rogue doorstep sellers will usually insist on starting the work
the same day and will often ask for cash upfront. They may offer to
take you to the bank or building society so you can get the money
out. These are some of the phrases they may use:
- “We are only in the area today”
- “We were doing a job in the area and we have some
materials left over”
- "I noticed you've got a few loose tiles on your
roof"
- "There have been a lot of burglaries in the area
recently"
- "This cut-price special offer is only available if you
sign today"
- “If you pay by cash we will give you a discount”
- "If you don't have work done it could cause further
damage"
If you agree to work of this kind then you may be subject to the
following problems:
- High prices
- Deposits taken and no work performed
- No guarantee
- No address or contact details are given
- Further cold calls in the future
Always be wary of leaflets posted through your door offering
services, this can be just another way the unscrupulous trader will
attempt to persuade you to have work done.
If you feel you have been a victim of Doorstep Crime please call
Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506.
