Residents urged to think twice with cold calling doorstep traders

Surrey County Council is encouraging residents to pick up a free no cold calling sticker pack.

The new initiative has been launched by Surrey Trading Standards Service to tackle the rising number of cold calling doorstep traders who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. These type of traders often perform shoddy work, carry out work that is unnecessary and charge extortionate prices.

The sticker packs are available countywide from council offices, police stations and libraries. Anyone who is unable collect a pack can request one from Surrey County Council by calling 08456 009 009. It contains a new look sticker to deter cold calling doorstep traders and offers advice on who to contact if you are concerned about their behaviour.

The initiative has been launched following the success of Surrey’s ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ which have been running for six years and cover around 9% of all Surrey households. The zones have helped to reduce the fear of doorstep crime and have had a positive impact in reducing incidents of distraction burglary. Research into the impact of the zones revealed 87% of residents believed they had received less visits from cold-callers and 76% felt safer. Surrey County Council now hopes to roll out these benefits countywide to protect all residents.

Surrey Trading Standards Service is committed to protecting householders from being taken advantage of by rogue traders. Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said:

“We receive a worrying number of reports on rogue traders, attempting to sell goods and services door-to-door, across Surrey.

“You should never feel pressurised to make decisions on your doorstep that you may not otherwise make. If you are looking for a reliable trader for any job, check out our ‘Buy With Confidence’ approved traders list. This provides traders you can trust to be fair and honest.”

The new initiative is also fully supported by Surrey Police. Superintendent Sharon Bush said:

“Surrey Police already works closely with Trading Standards to tackle issues associated with doorstep crime and to raise awareness with householders of the precautions that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. This new initiative builds on the safeguards already in place and we are happy to support it.”

For further information visit our web pages at www.surreycc.gov.uk/stopcoldcallers. For an approved traders list visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. Residents who are worried about cold calling traders operating in their neighbourhood and wish to report them can call Consumer Direct on 01622 626520.

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Notes to editors: The new sticker pack will be available from 17 October 2011.