If a rogue trader or doorstep criminal is on your property now, call 999 straight away.
Doorstep crime is treated as a priority. We work with partners, including Cumbria Police, to raise awareness and tackle rogue traders operating in Cumberland.
How to recognise doorstep crime
Doorstep crime often involves cold callers or rogue traders offering goods or services without being asked. In many cases, it can be difficult to contact the trader later if something goes wrong.
Warning signs include:
- someone cold calling at homes to look for work
- no paperwork being provided
- no information about cancellation rights
- being asked to pay all or part of the money before work starts
- work being left unfinished
- being unable to contact the trader after payment has been made
Report cold callers and rogue traders
If you are concerned about a trader or cold caller, contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
If a crime is taking place or you feel threatened, contact the police immediately.
No Cold Calling Zones
No Cold Calling Zones help communities discourage unwanted cold callers and raise awareness of doorstep crime.
If your community would like to set up a zone, see Set up a No Cold Calling Zone.
Rapid response
As part of our work to tackle doorstep crime, we operate a rapid response protocol.
Where possible, we will attend incidents involving elderly or vulnerable residents who have been approached by rogue traders. This is usually done with support from Cumbria Police.