Beware Doorstep sellers are operating in your area.
Here are a few Dos and Dont for dealing with Doorstep sellers.
- Check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card.
- If in doubt, lock them out while you telephone the company and check.
- Challenge anyone looking over your property - did you give them permission? Ask them to leave if not.
- Consider if you really need the work done. Think before you decide. Shop around for the best deal.
- Ask the caller to leave you with the information to study at your leisure.
- Remember you should be given the right to cancel a contract after cold calling (that is, you did not ask them to call)
- DONT -Believe all callers are genuine.
- DONT -Believe the scare stories salespeople may tell you - they are rarely true.
- DONT -Believe genuine tarmac companies have loads over - they dont.
- DONT -Believe a cash deal is easier or cheaper.
- DONT -Sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it.
- DONT -Believe special deals for today only - its just high pressure selling.
- DONT -Let any doorstep caller into your house at any time.
Our thanks to Essex Trading Standards for these Dos and Donts. If you need advise or help call Trading Standards at any time on 01245 341888 and talk to an officer or leave a message - they will call you back.
There have been a number of very disturbing cases reported in Essex, some where doorstep callers have driven elderly people to the bank to withdraw their life savings to pay for un-necessary work which was badly done. Dont be caught out and remember the golden rule IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT.
Is your property marked?
When did you last check the marking?
Yes, I know it is not the most interesting subject in the world, but
as far as protecting your property it is one of the most important.
Basildon Police have a huge room full of recovered property that they cannot return to the rightful owners because they have no idea to whom it belongs.
Every few months the Police have an auction of property that cannot be returned to the owners.
True, a lot of the property may have already been replaced under insurance claims, but a lot of the property in the Police store would seem to be of sentimental value; that cannot be replaced.
Besides the chance of getting you own property back, Property Marking can help to catch thieves. When the Police stop suspicious looking people and find them with, say, six video recorders in the back of the van it is almost impossible to identify the goods as stolen unless they have been marked with the owners house number and post code. I am sure that the Police have been frustrated on many occasions by having to let suspects go for lack of evidence of stolen property.
Property marking is not difficult or even time consuming. Most property can be marked with an ultra violet pen; some may require a different technique. We have the pens, marking kits and some comprehensive instructions that will help you. The pens are free of charge and the kits can be borrowed for a week (we do ask for a small returnable deposit). All you need to do is ask!
The best way to mark your property is by using you house number and your post code, for example:
So what happens when you move - no, you do not have to leave all your possession at the old house!
Strike through the old marking so it can be read and write the new one below it.
The Police can still check even if the property has been re-marked by thieves.
It may not be so easy to mark Jewellery and delicate valuables, so don't try unless you are an expert. The best way is to photograph them against a plain background with a ruler alongside the item to give an idea of size.
If you need help or information, please contact us at the Police Station.
- Tip1
Ladies do not keep your keys in your purse/handbag; keep them in a separate pocket when you go out. Thus if your purse/handbag is stolen the thief will not have access to your home .
- Tip2
If your keys get stolen or lost get the locks changed as soon as possible. Most household insurance companies will contribute to the cost of replacement.- now is a good time to check your policy wording. - Tip3
So what if someone calls at the home of someone who is on holiday? Please don't volunteer the information that they are in Spain for two weeks - even if the caller is in an 'official' looking uniform. Ask the caller what they want and say that the neighbour will be back very soon - you don't have to say how soon. If the caller acts evasively get as much detail as you can (vehicle description and number, plus a description of the person) and tell the police straight away.
- Tip4
It is a great idea to label your cases when you go on holiday. When the airline loses them, they can (eventually) get them back to you. BUT, label them only for the direction you are going - put your holiday destination on the tag on the way out and change it to you home address on the way home. Thieves at UK airports look for name tags with addresses on - they then know you will be away for a week or so, and your house may be unoccupied.
- Tip5
If you break down on the motorway stop on the hard shoulder as near to an emergency phone as possible. They are spaced at 1 kilometre intervals and arrows on the posts bv the hard shoulder will point to the nearest. At night leave your lights on and the hazards lightsflashing. Ladies especially should lock themselves in the car, when the rescue service arrives, open the window onlv enough to validate it is the service you called they should know your name.
- Tip6
Do you know what you own? Most of us don't! You will be surprised when you look round your home what you have purchased over the last couple of years. When it comes time to complete your next Contents Insurance renewal you may just have a guess at the value. Better still is to record all the information about your valuables we have plenty of booklets that will help you do just that. Give us a call if you would like one.
- Tip7
Coins of the Realm
We all need it, what we can do without however is the occasional forged note that may come our way. They are always in circulation and whilst we are not flooded with them at present it is always useful to be aware of the pointers to look out for and feel for:-
- 1. THE FEEL OF THE PAPER if the note is in reasonable
condition it should be crisp and slightly rough in the heavily
printed areas. It should not be limp waxy or shiny.
- 2. THE QUALITY OF THE PRINTING It should be sharp and
well defined with no blurred edges. The colours should be clear
and distinct with no hazy fringes.
- 3. THE WATERMARK It should be hardly apparent until the
note is held up to the light. Then a clearly defined portrait
with subtle gradations of light and shade is visible.
- 4. THE THREAD All genuine notes have a thread embedded in
the paper. The windowed thread used in recent notes appears as
a bold continuous line when held to the light.
