What is doorstep crime?

Doorstep crime involves cold callers and rogue traders trying to sell goods or services.  Experience has shown that work undertaken by doorstep sellers is often of a poor quality and is over priced.  The traders involved prove difficult to trace and as a consequence consumers have difficulties obtaining recompense in respect of any defective work.  Due to the nature of these crimes Cumbria Trading Standards treat this work as a priority and work with partner agencies such as Cumbria Police to help raise awareness and tackle potential offenders.

Warning indicators of doorstep crime

Red light warning indicators for doorstep crime are:

  • Person/Business cold calling at various properties touting for business

  • No paperwork is given and there are no cancellation rights

  • Money is requested 'up front' before any work has been carried out

  • Trader does not complete the work and consumer cannot contact them

Rapid Response

Cumbria Trading Standards operate a rapid response protocol as part of our strategy to combat doorstep crime and help support the Consumers of Cumbria.

Whenever possible we will aim to attend incidents, usually in conjunction with the Police, where elderly and vulnerable members of the community have been approached by rogue traders.

Report an incident

If you or someone you know requires assistance in dealing with a rogue trader you can contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.  If your case requires urgent assistance they will refer your details immediately to Cumbria Trading Standards or alternatively you can contact Cumbria Police on 101.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Cumbria Trading Standards have a responsibility to keep safe vulnerable adults from financial and other forms of abuse.

Cumbria has a high demographic of elderly and vulnerable residents who are potentially at risk from doorstep crime which causes significant personal, financial and emotional detriment to victims.  Where necessary referrals can be made to the County Council's Safeguarding Team.