Cold callers
Householders are being warned to beware of cold callers.
The advice comes from the Dover District Community Safety Partnership following incidents in the district.
The incidents involved people going from door to door offering goods for sale. Those selling goods door to door are legally obliged to have a pedlar’s licence, which allows them to do so. They must show this licence if asked to produce it.
Kent Trading Standards and Kent Police both warn householders to be wary when dealing with traders calling at their door. If callers are threatening householders should phone 999. If they are intimidating and aggressive householders can phone the Kent Police non-emergency number 101. To make a report to Trading Standards phone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
In most cases those who agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at the door, have a seven day "cooling off" period to change their mind. The trader must give them a written cancellation notice if they agree to have any work done. Failure to give this notice is a crime.
Householders who are considering work in or on their property are advised to get at least a couple of quotes from traders. Reputable traders are listed on the "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme run by Kent Trading Standards