Doorstep crime can involve:
- rogue traders offering poor quality repairs or home improvements at inflated prices
- bogus callers or distraction burglars trying to get into your home under false pretences
It can be difficult to tell who is genuine.
Staying safe at your door
You don’t have to let anyone into your home. The safest advice is to say no to all doorstep cold callers. You may come across some legitimate groups who cold call, but you can say no to any uninvited and unwelcome caller.
Many cold callers use identity cards, but these can be easily faked. Legitimate callers will expect you to check their ID. Close the door and verify their identity with the company yourself – don’t use the phone number on the card. Distraction burglary is easy, try and make it difficult.
Utility companies
The most common unannounced visitors are utility company staff, usually to read your meter. Most utility companies offer a password service. You can register a password that staff must give when visiting your home. Find details on how to register on your utility bills or by contacting your supplier directly.
Political canvassing for elections
You don’t have to speak to them at the door. Legitimate canvassers should respect your wishes.
Religious groups
You don’t have to speak to them at the door. Legitimate religious groups should respect your wishes.
Market researchers
You don’t have to speak to them at the door. Legitimate market researchers should respect your wishes. This shouldn’t include selling or promoting goods or services.
Where possible we would always encourage market researchers to make appointments before visiting people’s homes.
Charity collectors
Legitimate charity collectors should be able to satisfactorily identify themselves. Some charities ask for donations to be left for collection – leave a bag or a leaflet and then return to collect items. Some charities don’t make collections in the no cold calling zones.
Any charity going from house to house to collect money or goods must get a permit from the local authority. You can check their permits with the local authority. All charities are required to register with the Charity Commission. You can call 0845 3000 218 to check.
Always check their paperwork carefully, some businesses collect good to sell for profit – they may include a company registration number rather than a charity registration number.
How to deal with cold callers
No cold calling zones are areas where the resident community have asked not to be approached by traders calling at their homes without an appointment. If you live in one of these areas and display a no cold calling zone door sticker, it may be an offence for a trader to knock on your door, according to the relevant legislation. Please note, Portsmouth City Council does not facilitate setting up a zone.
Portsmouth residents can request a free door sticker to help you say no. Email trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk with your full address.
Our general advice is to never agree to work offered as a result of a cold call or leaflet drop. Always get at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses. Check if they’re approved by Buy with confidence or a recognised trade association.
If you agree to a contract worth more than £42 away from a trader’s business premise (e.g. at home or at work), you normally have 14 days to cancel. By law, the trader must give you cancellation information before the contract is signed. Work shouldn’t begin during the 14-day cooling off period unless you give written consent.
More information
Contact us
For more information, email trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or visit our Facebook page.