Not sure? Shut the door!

Trading standards officers have been giving advice to residents about rogue traders and aggressive doorstep sellers.

They took part in the 12^th UK-wide campaign last week to highlight the dangers that agreeing to have work carried out by cold-callers can bring.

During last year’s Rogue Trader Operation, nearly 300 people were arrested, £3 million worth of property was recovered and more than 5,000 vehicles inspected.

Bury Council staff carried out visits to the North Manor area of north Bury following a number of complaints they received last year from older people.

Angela Lomax, Bury’s head of trading standards and licensing, said: “It’s not illegal for traders to sell at the door, and legitimate callers will not mind if you shut and lock the door while you check if they are genuine.

“Rogue traders often offer gardening work or building repairs at attractive prices but the quality of work is substandard, unnecessary or overpriced. They often use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.”

To report rogue traders, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 May 2017.