Cowboy roofers alert after storms

Over the past two months, Consumer Direct in Yorkshire and the Humber, the Government-funded advice service, has received over 700 complaints about home improvements such as roofing, insulation and guttering work.

Trading Standards services throughout the region are committed to tackling doorstep crime and use a variety of initiatives to deal with offenders and to protect communities.

As well as prosecuting those responsible for scams, initiatives such as Cold Calling Control Zones are used to advise and protect vulnerable householders from cold-callers who are deterred from working in their area.

Doncaster Council’s Cabinet member for communities, Cllr Cynthia Ransome, said: “Typical scams include claims that tiles or chimneys are loose and dangerous, or that leaks will occur and damage properties.

“Large sums of money are also charged for small amounts of gardening work, to clear away leaves, shrubs and trees following unsettled weather.

“As a result, we would urge people not to deal with doorstep traders.

“If householders wish to report doorstep callers, they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”

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