Know your rights this Door Step Crime Week

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards, in partnership with colleagues across the Yorkshire and Humber region, are hosting a doorstep crime awareness raising week, with the message: Be Doorstep Diligent, Be Doorstep Wise.

If you agree to have work done that is more than £42, while the trader is in your home - whether they are invited or they call around uninvited - the trader is usually required to provide you with certain information regarding the contract such as a description of the work, the price and their contact details.

In general, you should also be given information regarding a 14-day cooling off period to allow you to decide if you wish to go ahead with the work.

If the trader starts the work within this 14-day period, your right to cancel does not disappear, however, you may be required to pay for any work done up to the date of cancellation.

There are a number of exceptions to the above – including certain types of bespoke work. If you would like specific advice, contact the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for more information.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “Trading Standards would always recommend that residents do not deal on the doorstep and be wary of anyone rushing them to make a decision. Genuine traders will not mind if you do not make a decision straight away.”

Residents should get three written quotes which include a breakdown of costs.

ENDS