Sponsored Editorial

Spring is here, birds are singing and flowers are blooming.

But please be on alert as this is also the time of year that doorstep criminals come knocking on doors.

They come with bogus offers of guttering and roofing repairs, or work on driveways and gardens.

With household budgets under pressure, many are likely to be tempted by superficial bargains, which could end up costing dearly. It is all too common for doorstep criminals to promise the earth and fail to deliver. They leave a trail of unfinished or substandard work in their wake, with inflating prices as a project progresses far beyond what was originally agreed.

£18,000 lost to criminal traders

Mr M was approached by a stranger outside his home who told him that the coving on his roof needed urgent attention. What started as a friendly conversation about a relatively small issue ended with £18,000 spent on unnecessary work. When the doorstep criminal asked for even more money, Mr M called in Trading Standards.

He’s had sleepless nights ever since and was worried about leaving his home for a period in case the criminals returned. And unfortunately, he has been unable to get any of his money back.

Never agree to have work carried out by cold callers. Always keep your door firmly closed to doorstep criminals.

Everyone is vulnerable to falling for rogue and criminal traders at one time or another, regardless of age or personal circumstances. The most powerful form of defence against these doorstep criminals, for you, your family and your neighbours, is to be informed and be vigilant. And always be prepared to say no.

Good news for Kent residents

You can find reputable and safe traders via Kent County Council's Trading Standards Checked. It's the only scheme of its kind that thoroughly vets local traders. Each trader has passed the 50-point Safe Local Trader checks and is continually vetted throughout their membership.

The 50-point checks ensure traders adhere to consumer protection rules, are competent and capable of undertaking the work they commit to and are accountable if something goes wrong.

Find a safe trader by clicking on this link or phone: 03000 41 64 38.