National Consumer Week 03/11/2014

Cumbria is stepping up the fight against doorstep crime following a year in which Trading Standards Officers responded to more than 200 incidents in the county, but with the problem vastly under-reported it is believed there could be thousands of cases across Cumbria each year.

To combat doorstep criminals, drop-in sessions are being held and information distributed around the county to highlight the message ‘Good Neighbours Stop Rogue Traders’ as part of National Consumer Week (3-7 November).

Doorstep criminals often target the most vulnerable members of our communities – the elderly, people with disabilities and those who live alone - so this campaign is about preventing doorstep crime by encouraging neighbours, family, friends and carers to look out for those most at risk.

National Consumer Week is co-ordinated by the Trading Standards Institute and delivered in Cumbria by the County Council’s Trading Standards Service and partner agencies including the Police and Age UK.

Publicity materials including information cards and posters are being delivered by neighbourhood policing teams and council and fire service employees when they are out and about in the communities they serve.

Public drop-in sessions – where people can find out more about rogue traders and how to protect themselves and their neighbours – are taking place at the following times and places:

Wednesday 5 November 10am-4pm, Citizens Advice Bureau, Whitehaven

Thursday 6 November 10am-4pm, Carlisle Library

Thursday 6 November 10am-4pm, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow

If you suspect doorstep crime in your area contact Cumbria Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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