By James Johnson

Last updated at 13:43, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

Residents have been warned about doorstep crime after a campaign by Brampton police and trading standards.

Angela Jones

The groups took to the street to raise awareness of an expected increase in doorstep crime over the summer months.

The operation was split into two parts, with the first being at the beginning of last month to highlight the dangers of cold callers touting for work.

More than 100 homes in Dalston, Cumwhitton, Wetheral and Warwick-on-Eden were visited by officers and residents advised to be on the lookout for cold callers targeting their villages.

The second part of the operation, which saw officers working in Alston, Brampton, Longtown and Dalston, was conducted towards the end of June. Tradespeople were spoken to and it was ensured that all were reliable and reputable.

Angela Jones, the Cumbria Trading Standards manager, said: “Cold callers are not welcome in our county as they can leave residents out of pocket by charging inflated prices and the work is invariably sub-standard.

“Through partnership working with the police and warning residents in advance of the danger of cold callers we aim to reduce the incidents of cold callers and rogue traders in our county.”

PC Michael Fordyce, an officer involved in the operation, said: “These people prey on the vulnerable residents in our community and we all need to use precaution.”

To find a reliable and reputable trader visit buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call 01539 713594.

To report cold callers contact the Trading Standards department via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 4040506 or call Cumbria Police on 101.

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 04 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk