Warning from Kent Trading Standards

There are Rogue Traders operating in this area now.

If you are approached by any person offering to carry out repairs to your property, turn then away. Call the number below and report the matter to Trading Standards. Call: 01732 525289 Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5pm.

To help you decide use the following check list:

Always ask yourself: would you have bought this item or had these repairs even if a trader had not called? If the answer is no, you need to think very carefully about your decision:

Do I want it?

Do I need it done?

Can I afford it?

Can I get a quote from someone else?

Is it good value?

Have I been given a written estimate or quote?

Do I know the name and address of this person?

Do I have a telephone number of the person?

Do I have the right to cancel?

If the goods or services cost more than £35 and you did not invite the seller to call then you generally have seven days to change your mind and cancel the contract.

By law the trader must give you a written notice detailing your rights to cancel the contract. Failure to do this is a criminal offence. If the trader refuses to leave when asked, call the Police.

If you have information that you think may be useful in solving a crime or making people aware of a problem contact Keith or leave a message on the Parish Constables answer phone 01622 891740 or The NhW Support Line on 01622 608191 or for crime information Voxbox 01622 608190 and Persistent Noise or pollution 01622 602000. The MhW website is on http://www.maidstonenhw.org.uk Remember though if it is an emergency use 999.  

A reminder to all.
Please remember to be careful when answering your door.
Keep your chain on the door until you have identified the caller.
Do not open the door if you do not know who they are.
If a caller is genuine, they will not mind you checking their identity cards, and phoning their office to verify they are genuine callers.

Bogus Callers: Make life difficult for conmen and other suspect callers. A genuine caller will not mind waiting while you check their identity with a phone call.

Do not ring a number the caller gives you unless you are sure of its authenticity. Make a note of these numbers; Southern Water 0845 278 0845; Mid Kent Water 01634 245566; Seeboard 01293 565333; Transco 0800 393499; Trading Standards 08457 585497; or Police or Neighbourhood Watch numbers above.

You can look up the latest crime details as well as other useful information by accessing the Maidstone & Malling Neighbourhood Watch WEB pages at http://www.maidstonenhw.org.uk/

Please do not leave any possessions on open view in your car as thefts are taking place. It only take a few seconds to break a window and steal the item. You are left to clear up the mess and recover the money for the lost items.

Updated 30/06/2008