Doorstep Crime

This can be defined as instances where someone comes to the door and tricks the householder into letting them in so that they can steal, or alternatively persuades the householder to hand over money for goods and services they never see or charge extortionate amounts for shoddy goods or services.

These individuals may pose as officials (eg water, gas or electricity board) in order to carry out a burglary, or maybe seek payment for closing a job – very often driveway re-surfacing, roofing repairs, or furniture/carpet selling.

In all instances these individuals cold call, and very often target older people, often those that live alone.

In tackling this type of crime we seek to:

1. Educate the public so that they are more aware of these types of criminals so that they are less vulnerable and able to deal with doorstep callers more effectively.

2. Respond immediately (in conjunction with the Police) when complaints are received relating to traders cold calling offering goods and services.  This may then involve carrying out when householders have been deceived into paying for work or goods that are sub standard, unsafe or falsely described.

3. Liaise with the Police and other enforcement agencies so that intelligence is effectively disseminated between agencies in order to more effectively combat the crime.

Finally, we wish to urge members of the public that we need to work together in order to combat this crime.  Evidence shows that these criminals are extremely organised and their activities particularly distressing for visitors, yet there appears to be a reluctance on behalf of the public to report this crime.  We urge anyone that has information relating to doorstep crime to click on the link trading.standards@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or contact the Department on 01495 356138.