NO COLD CALLING CAN WORK FOR YOU

I am pleased to report that following a lot of work by one of the residents and myself, Mallard Close in Kempshott is now officially registered with Trading Standards and designated a No Cold Calling Zone.

We are very pleased to report that 100% of the residents supported this action and we now have signs at the three entry points to our close. These signs were erected yesterday (16/02/12) by an angineer from Trading Standards. The only downside was that we had to obtain the funds for these signs, by contributions from our residents.

It would be nice to think that other roads in the borough might like to follow suit and we can offer help to anyone interested in following our lead, in terms of surveying your residents, talking to Trading Standards officers etc etc.

Other Cold Calling advice and info

Police update

It has come to my attention again that all types of companies are using aggressive/overly persuasive sales pitches to try to encourage homeowners to purchase whatever it is they are selling. The companies may be totally legitmate and because of the recession they are trying extra hard to make a sale, however some may not be and to this end I would like to reiterate a few points regarding cold calling and telephone sales, bogus callers and scams. I have also attached the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) Guidleines for buying from security companies. Remember you can also list your telephone number with a telephone preference call service, check with your telephone provider for details.

See Attached for full details

Warnings - Traders are currently cold calling in the Basingstoke area of Hampshire offering power washing, roof cleaning services and/or roof repairs. 

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to work that is instigated as a result on a cold call or via a leaflet drop.  Consumers should obtain at least 3 quotes from reputable businesses or traders who belong to a recognised trade association, such as the Hampshire County Council Buy With Confidence Scheme.  Details of this scheme can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Traders who agreed work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers a 7 day cooling off period.  Work should not commence until this period has ended, unless written agreement is first obtained from that consumer.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on 01962 833666, where specially trained officers are on hand to provide assistance.

PCSO report 

Just to let you know that on Tuesday 15 June at 1300, I was on patrol on Milkingpen Lane where I spoke to 3 cold callers who were door knocking.  I took their details Matt Starks, Aaron Webb and their supervisor Paul Kane.  They were from a company called 1st Class Roof Coating, based in Southampton.  Bittern Enterprise Centre, Bittern Road West, Southampton, Tel:   I checked with the HCC Trading Standards Office, who advised that they do not have a listing for this company.  I advised one elderly couple of this because they had arranged an appointment for a quote the following day.  Appointment was cancelled.