6-1-05

Barrett launches major ‘Safer Communities Campaign’

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today launched a major new campaign to clamp down on rogue traders and cut crime.
 
The campaign centres on the problem of doorstep selling and comes after Mr Barrett received a mass of complaints about the problem of rogue doorstep callers. There were also objections towards the disgraceful practices, such as the heavy pressure used by some genuine salespeople. 
 
Complaints from over 1,500 individuals nationwide have already prompted the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to lodge a ‘super complaint’ with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The OFT has now completed a consultation on the problems of doorstep selling and is expected to come forward with specific plans shortly.
 
In the meantime, John Barrett has launched a “Safer Communities Campaign” by offering his constituents special laminated cards to display on their front doors and windows. The card warns doorstep callers that the resident will not buy or sell at the door and will expect identification that can be verified. Contact details for the local police are also provided on the back of the card in case people are concerned the are at risk. 

Mr Barrett said he would be contacting over 35,000 households in his Edinburgh West constituency over the next month, offering residents these free cards.
 
Commenting, Mr Barrett said:
 
“Many of my constituents have complained to me about some of the practices of doorstep salespeople. I know that many people are especially wary of opening their door to unidentified strangers. This can be a particular problem during the winter months when it gets dark so early.
 
“I will be looking closely at the OFT’s proposals. In the meantime, it is important for people to know what they can do themselves to minimise the threat of bogus callers and prevent some of the underhand tactics of some doorstep salespeople. That is why I am offering my constituents these special cards, along with information from the Neighbourhood Watch Association, which has done a power of work on this issue.
 
“The simple message is stop, chain and check. Stop and think before you open the door. Chain to secure the door before opening. Check by asking for proof of identity, phoning the representative’s company if necessary to check they are genuine. I hope my constituents will find these cards helpful and that they will prove a useful tool in stamping down on rogue doorstep trading inWest Edinburgh.”
 
ENDS

For your free card, phone John Barrett's office on 0131 339 0339 or e-mail johnbarrettmp@parliament.uk.