Knock it off you cold callers

And although it’s not actually illegal to try to sell something at the door unannounced, the theory — for the scores of other communities across the UK that have already implemented the scheme — is that simply expressing that you don’t want to be contacted in this way means cold callers could be in breach of consumer protection laws.

About 170,000 cases of doorstep crime are now estimated to take place in England and Wales each year. Where once the rag-and-bone man, pigswill cart, butcher’s boy, milkman and grocer trundled their way to our doors (or the back door if you were posh), an increasing and disparate stream of modern-day callers have taken their place — often more sinister than just the inept Yodel courier.

Many are often just a nuisance — utility and energy companies trying to persuade you to change provider, charity collectors and electoral canvassers — but more worrying is the increase in aggressive sellers, fake tradesmen (cue dodgy certificates and shoddy workmanship), “distraction” burglars, as well as, most worryingly, the crews of young men known as “Nottingham knockers”, after a scam that originated in the region.

Perhaps they’ve already called at your house? Often claiming to be newly out of prison and attempting to mend their ways, they’ll try to sell you household products, often of very low quality, at very high prices — and their visits often precede spates of burglaries where they are operating.

Angela Seymour, 73, a retired company director who lives alone in a detached period house near Pirbright, in Surrey, was highly unnerved by such a visit.

“It was early on a dark winter’s evening, and a large man holding a huge rucksack rang my doorbell. He briefly held up a rather tatty, illegible card, then said he was an ex-convict now back on the straight and narrow, and was working with a charity. Before he even showed me any products, I told him, extremely politely, that I had a policy to never buy anything at the door.” At this, Seymour says, he took a step closer, and shouted that she was a horrible, heartless woman. “I have to say I felt frightened. I shut the door immediately and watched from an upstairs window to make sure he had really gone.”

Since then, Seymour — and other friends in the area — have added movement-sensor lighting to their driveways and gardens, had doorbells with a two-way intercom fitted (so they can tell someone they won’t be coming to the door) and others, even more cautious, have had cameras installed.

“People come up with a variety of stories to give themselves legitimacy, and gain sympathy,” says Richard Strawson, project lead for the National Trading Standards scams team, who works to support victims of doorstep crime, partnering with local authorities to try and tackle it more effectively.

“I would be sceptical of any so-called ID, as it can be produced easily on a computer to look authentic,” he says. “And be aware that many of these sellers are victims themselves — forced to work for low wages, and give away much of their earnings to a bigger boss. Essentially, our message is simple: don’t deal on the doorstep. And if you are unsure, don’t open the door.”

Of course, many unsolicited calls are completely legit, he adds, for example some double-glazing and energy salesmen. “But the very nature of a cold call means you are under pressure to make a decision. Always ask for a catalogue of products, and say you need time to think. You should never have to pay up there and then.”

Although it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between a genuine salesman and a rogue, Alex Neill, the director of campaigns for Which?, says there are some key steps to ensure you don’t fall victim to a scam.

“First and foremost, remember you’re under no obligation to buy from a salesman, and it is right to be on your guard and suspicious of anyone turning up at the door uninvited. For those more vulnerable, nominating a relative or friend nearby to step in when a salesman calls may provide some reassurance. And if you do take out a contract with a doorstep salesman, you do have rights.” (Visit which.co.uk for more information.)

If you are interested in galvanising your own community into becoming a No Cold Calling Zone, contact Trading Standards through your local council; and if you want to report a trader you think has behaved unscrupulously, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (03454 040506, citizensadvice. org.uk). You can also download an individual “No Cold Calling” poster for free at moneysavingexpert.com.

But the most important message to get across, says Mark Howells, a crime reduction adviser for Surrey Police, is always to report a caller to the police if you feel intimidated — either by calling 999 when they are still there, or 101 if they have moved on.

“Bogus calls are one of the most under-reported crimes in the UK,” he says, “but they can have a devastating effect on emotional wellbeing and health. Our bottom line is, whoever and wherever you are, don’t buy or sell on the doorstep.”

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Stay secure at your front door
No simple sign can protect you from someone determined to get inside your home. You don’t want to turn your whole house into a panic room — but there are some basic precautions you
can take.

■ Always keep your front and back doors locked, even when you are home. Make use of spy holes and door chains – check who your visitor is before opening the door, and if you are not sure of them, keep the chain on while you speak to them on the doorstep.

■ Flimsy front doors are easy targets. The Metropolitan Police advises you ensure timber frames are sound and securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 60cm around the whole frame.

You could also consider fitting a metal “London Bar” to support the frame. Glazed panels may look pretty but are not as safe as solid doors. If you must have them, replace with toughened glass.

■ If you don’t want to open the door at all – but still let someone know you are
home – opt for an intercom. The Response wireless telephone and door intercom duo is easy to install and costs £84. For extra security, add a camera. The Yale Digital Door Viewer has a wide field of view, and costs about £60 (both from Maplin; 0333 400 9500, maplin.co.uk).

■ A single rim lock is usually inadequate. Doors should preferably be fitted with a five-lever mortice deadlock, though you may want to reconsider the whole door. Yale Doors are 1.7in deep with a reinforced frame, come with a five-point locking system and are police approved. Prices start at £974, including installation (0800 787 9253, yaledoor.co.uk).

■ For further advice on door and doorstep security, visit content.met.police.uk and saga.co.uk.