People in Gedling borough are being warned to be on their guard if approached by doorstep salespeople offering to repair damage caused by Storm Doris to avoid poor workmanship, a scam or another crime.
The warning coincides with reports this week to the Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team of an unknown trader cold calling to offering tree surgery services.
The trader seems to be targeting the homes of older people and has been reported to be trespassing into their rear gardens and asking residents if they live alone and what times they are usually not at home.
There were 50 reports on doorstep crime between October and December 2016.
Residents struggling to find a reputable trader are being advised to find a vetted local trader on Checkatrade’s website.
The Council entered into a partnership with Checkatrade in 2015 to help protect local people from rogue tradespeople and trusted members are thoroughly vetted and have to supply references.
Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “Unscrupulous rogue traders take advantage of big weather events to secure work with people whose property has been adversely affected and it can seem like they are a knight in shining armour offering to rectify damage.
“However, they are likely either to carry out a poor job, charge inflated prices or pressure you into having unnecessary work carried out.
“You’re far safer to get a recommendation from a friend or relative or look for a trusted trader on Checkatrade’s website who we have partnered with.”
For more information visit www.checkatrade.com
To report a cold caller contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.
