PS Daryl Screech from Avon and Somerset Police has kindly shared some information about rogue traders and doorstep crime that their communications team in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch have put together.
Rogue Traders / Gardeners (Tree Specialists)
A reminder relating to bogus “Tree Specialists” who have been preying on the older population within our communities of Avon and Somerset, offering to carry out gardening work. Residents are reported to have paid vast sums of money for poor quality work to the so-called Specialists who have also taken the money and never returned to complete the work.
There have also been occasions where the callers have falsely claimed to have completed the
work and demanded payment.
There are a few things that you should be wary of before allowing anyone into your home or
garden.
- Did they put a leaflet through your door claiming to offer discounts for OAPs?
- Do they offer 20/30/40% off for calling within a particular time scale of receiving your
leaflet? - Do they offer Tree work and then claim to offer a host of other services seemingly
unrelated? - Does it look like a professionally printed leaflet?
- If you speak to an operator, do not be bullied into committing to their services or an
appointment. - If they are in your home, phone a friend and ask them to come round.
- You can ask them to leave at any point during their sales pitch.
These are just a few points to look out for, but the best rule to go by is that if you require any work
you should find the person yourself or go by the recommendation of others that you trust.
There are plenty of websites that can steer you in the right direction to find the right company.
And of course there are some genuine, honest companies so make an informed decision, but
remember:
“If you’re not sure, don’t open the door”