Community Alert: North Wales Police would like to remind residents to be alert to rogue traders

North Wales Police would like to remind residents to be alert to rogue traders cold calling to offer repairs or gardening services.

This follows a recent incident in the South Flintshire area involving three males with Irish accents in a white van where the males claimed they had carried out work on the residents garage.

The work completed by the traders turned out to be completely substandard.

Advice from Trading Standards is to always get a number of quotes for work before agreeing for any work to be carried out on your home. 

They would advise you not to agree, on your doorstep, to having such work carried out. 

Whenever you do agree to any contract in your home you must be given written notice of your rights to a seven day cancellation period. 

Ensure you have a verified  name address to contact the trader, but remember if it is a cold caller you are dealing with it maybe a false name address they give. 

Remember, if it doubt, keep them out.

The Three Step Plan when dealing with any cold caller at the door;

REMEMBER Genuine callers will not mind waiting. It’s your home. You don’t have to let anyone in!

 1 – If in doubt, keep them out.

It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in – they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door

2 – Be prepared. Be in control.

Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away

3 – Call a neighbour or the police.

Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call Police  on 101.To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area – call 999