NEWS RELEASE

West Yorkshire Trading Standards warns of Summer Rogue Traders

Latest Consumer Direct figure reveal there were over 1170 doorstep selling complaints in Yorkshire and Humber. In a push to protect the vulnerable, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)’s Summer Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers.

Research conducted on behalf of the OFT highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams. One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal.

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus, however unlawful traders can be unscrupulous and use a range of persuasive tactics to sell seemingly irresistible offers to unsuspecting and often vulnerable people in their homes. I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches. No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision. If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”

Judith Frame, Head of Campaigns at OFT said: “Complaints about home maintenance and illegitimate doorstep sellers traditionally peak in the summer months. While it is not illegal to canvas for work door to door, rogue doorstep trading remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly who live alone. Decisions made on the doorstep can result in a great amount of distress for those who are duped out of money for substandard products or services. It is crucial to be aware of your consumer rights and share this knowledge.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said: ‘We know that the summer months are always rife with bogus trades people touting for business on the doorstep, particularly where we’ve had issues such as local flooding. Follow our advice to make sure you’re getting the deal you think you are.’
The OFT offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips
Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.  Continue reading →

Adel    PRIORITY   Speeding, Church Lane

Crime
There have been 4 reports of burglary in the last week, these have occurred on The Crescent where a steel rod has been used to jemmy open the patio doors but the alarm sounded and no entry gained. Whinfield where a suspect was disturbed in the rear garden by the occupant, Mulberry Avenue where a kitchen door was left insecure, Chestnut Way which was possibly left insecure as no damaged caused to get in, see arrests below. There have been no reports of vehicle crime.

SID not deployed.

Arrests of note
A 19 year old local male has been arrested for the burglary on Mulberry Avenue above, further enquiries continue.

A 21 year old female from Hyde Park has been arrested for the burglary on Chestnut Way, further enquiries continue.

W/c 9^th July   PRIORITY   Speeding, Church Lane

Crime
There have been no burglaries in the last week, there has been 1 report of vehicle crime which occurred on East Causeway where a sliding door on a van was broken into and gardening equipment stolen.

ASB no incidents to report

SID not deployed this week.

W/c 2^nd July  PRIORITY   Speeding, Church Lane

Crime
No reported house burglaries in the area this week.There has been 1 theft from a vehicle at Adel Lane. Entry was gained by unknown means. Property was stolen and damage was caused.

ASB no significant ASB to report.

SID
The Speed Indication Device has been deployed at Adel Mill. No vehicles were observed to be exceeding the speed limit. Officers will be targeting this street at different times to build up a filler picture.

For full police report of North West Outer NPT please click here…

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Crimestoppers fight crime without revealing your identity. 0800 555 111.

Faithwatch
No incidents to report.

Farmwatch
A high value ride-on Lawnmower was stolen from a shed / out building on Wills Gill, Guiseley this week. Enquiries are ongoing. Please consider the security of your own equipment and be vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly on the 101 non emergency number.

Adel  PRIORITY   Speeding, Church Lane

Crime
A euro profile type lock on a UPVC door was attacked on a detached property on Adel Park Gardens. Entry was gained, but no property was stolen.
Three thefts from vehicles in the area this week.
A door lock and a window were attacked on a vehicle that was parked on Farrar Lane.

The rear window of a vehicle was broken and property stolen from a vehicle at Lawnswood Cemetery.

A window was broken and property stolen from the boot of a vehicle that was parked on Weetwood Lane.

*** Please do not leave valuables in vehicles or any leave any property on display ***

ASB
No Anti Social Behaviour of particular note has been reported or identified in the area this week.

SID
The Speed Indication Device has not been deployed in the area this week.

Arrests of Note
A 23 year old female from the Leeds area and a 41 year old male from the Leeds area have been arrested in relation to the series of Theft from Vehicles in the Adel area that occurred this week. Charges have been made in relation to this matter.

For local policing summary 2012 – North West Leeds please Click here..

For full police report of North West Outer NPT please click here…

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