Watch out for rogue doorstep callers

From Haringey Council: 

Residents are being warned to be on the lookout for bogus doorstep callers in their neighbourhood.

The warning comes after a number of incidents were reported to Haringey Council, involving callers who either claimed to be offering home improvement work or pretended to be from an official organisation.

In one case, a Tottenham resident was repeatedly asked to pay for work to her roof which did not need doing. The builder went as far as unnecessarily removing some roof tiles before demanding payment to complete the work.

Another resident paid out £37,000 for a new roof and conservatory, which was left half finished when the builders disappeared.

The incidents are just two of around 166 doorstep caller crimes that Haringey Council’s trading standards officers are investigating with the police 

Councillor Bernice Vanier, cabinet member for communities, said: “The majority of people who call at your home are genuine and will be happy to show official ID. However, there is a minority who want to take advantage of vulnerable residents, either by ripping them off or even stealing from them.

“We are asking people to keep an eye-out for these type of callers, particularly if you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour who may fall prey to them, and help us to stamp out this unacceptable activity once and for all.”

Rogue callers range from cowboy builders, who quote for work that doesn’t need doing or take off before it is finished, to distraction burglars who enter people’s homes under pretence and steal money or valuables. 

They often target vulnerable people, such as elderly people who live alone.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood or are approached by anyone who you believe may be a rogue caller, you can call the police on non-emergency number 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress. 

You should always ask people for ID and, if you are still suspicious, contact the organisation they claim to be from to confirm.

Haringey Council’s Trading Standards team can take action against people who mis-sell or take money for services they do not deliver, such as home improvement work, and residents can call them on 020 8489 5134 or email tradingstandards@haringey.gov.uk.

For more advice on dealing with doorstep callers visit our website: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/door_step_selling.