Dear Colleagues
This message is being sent out to all NHW Coordinators on behalf of the Sussex NHW Federation.
Dear Friends,
As you may know, crime prevention leaflets are dwindling due to Home office cuts, please read below and follow the link to obtain a “No cold calling sticker”
Time for doorstep cold callers to feel the heat
3 May 2012
Article courtesy of The Daily Mirror
Surrey Trading Standards has produced some powerful warning stickers, which The Daily Mirror adapted to make suitable for you, wherever you live.
These fliers are backed by the Trading Standards Institute. Ron Gainsford, the Institute's chief executive said: "Cold calling is an unwelcome practice which can pave the way for distraction burglary and for opportunist rogues who get their foot in the doorway under the pretence of working for a well known company.
"Combating doorstep crime to protect especially vulnerable consumers is an important part of the invaluable work done by trading standards officers up and down the country. They see firsthand all too often the devastating consequences of rogue cold callers; not only the financial losses can be catastrophic, but the distress from harassment in the safety of their own home can also cause long term damage to the victim's mental and even physical well being."
"Consumers need to know that any trader who does not go away when asked is committing a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations."
"We would encourage any consumer who does not wish to be visited by a doorstep seller to put a sticker on their door, which makes their wishes and legal protection clear. We appreciate that the practice of face-to face selling is legitimate and provides for those in society who do not have access to internet and other market opportunities - but our strong view is that householders must have the right to opt out from this with a clear sign on their home, and for this wish to be respected."
We are also delighted that these fliers had the backing of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network. Chairman Jim Maddan said: "I am vehemently against cold callers, I have seen the damage they've done to people's live".
A spokeswoman added: "Neighbourhood and Home Watch schemes are a great example of how communities can work together to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and make our streets a safer and friendlier place to live. This new resource will help support local people to take action against doorstep callers and rogue traders, and keep people safe in their homes."
To download a Cold Calling Warning sticker, please click here.
John Wright
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Chairman
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Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.
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( Mobile: 07917 385213
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