Cold callers offering services.

Police have received reports that cold callers have been calling on residents in the area of Shipton-under-Wychwood.

A male subject has called upon random addresses and stated that he had been working in the area and had some materials left over. He also claimed to have noticed something had fallen off the roof and that he could repair it.

While it may be convenient to buy services on your doorstep, especially if you were already considering having work carried out, police advice is to avoid purchasing goods or services from anyone who calls uninvited at your home.

With the warmer weather and longer daylight hours, rogue traders often become more active, using the opportunity to target residents with offers of gardening, roofing, paving and other outdoor maintenance work.

The Buy With Confidence scheme is a Trading Standards approved register of businesses that have been vetted and approved to ensure they operate in a legal, honest and fair way. It helps members of the public find trustworthy local traders for services such as gardening, roofing, building work and home improvements. 

Using a Buy With Confidence trader can give you extra reassurance, as businesses on the scheme have undergone checks including trading history, customer service standards and complaint handling.

Before agreeing to any work, consider checking whether the company is part of the scheme. This can help reduce the risk of falling victim to rogue traders or poor workmanship.

To find an approved trader, visit Buy With Confidence Buy with confidence

What are rogue traders?
Rogue traders are individuals or groups who often cold-call at properties offering services such as gardening, roofing or driveway repairs. They may appear friendly and convincing, but often carry out poor quality, unnecessary or incomplete work at hugely inflated prices.

Please remember:
• Do not feel pressured into agreeing to work on your doorstep.
• Never agree to work from someone who cold-calls unexpectedly.
• Always get at least three quotes from reputable companies.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends or neighbours.
• Check reviews and credentials before agreeing to any work.
• If you feel pressured or unsure, ask them to leave and contact a trusted person.
• If you believe a crime is in progress or you feel threatened, call police on 999.