Knowsley Council Trading Standards team is warning residents to be on their guard against rogue traders involved in doorstep crime.
Residents in an area of Huyton have received Doorstep Crime packs from Trading Standards after a rise in reports in doorstep callers touting for roofing and gardening work.
The packs contain “no cold calling” stickers and advice to residents on how to deal with unwanted callers.
You can find more information about the pack here.
Rogue traders will knock on doors unannounced and claim they have noticed damage, before offering to have a look for free as they have just finished a job nearby and have all their equipment with them.
Often having links to organised crime, these groups can become persistent and aggressive in obtaining a sale, particularly amongst vulnerable residents.
Victims of rogue traders can lose anything from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds. The work is very often very poor or no work has being carried out at all.
Residents should be extra vigilant before opening their door to cold callers. Trading Standards advice is to never agree to have work done or buy goods and services as a result of a doorstep call.
Residents are also encouraged to look out for vulnerable neighbours who may be at greater risk from being scammed and report any concerns to the police and Trading Standards.
To report rogue traders to Trading Standards, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. In an emergency dial 999.
More information on how to avoid rogue traders can be found at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer.
Any Knowsley resident wanting a free Doorstep Crime information pack and no cold calling sticker can contact 0151 443 4738 or email tradingstandardsteam@knowsley.gov.uk.