LATEST INFORMATION FROM
TRADING STANDARDS

Update - 10th November 2005

Bogus water board officials

On 2/11/05 in Partridge Green, around 4.30pm a male described as white, 40 yrs old, thin build, 5'7"short dark hair and a southern accent called at a home saying he was from the water board. He entered the property and asked the householder to run the tap in the kitchen. He then stole cash after entering and untidily searching other  rooms. Again on 8/11/05 at around 2pm, another householder in Coombe Hill, Billingshurst was persuaded to allow three men into her home when they claimed to be from the water board. One male turned taps on in the kitchen, whilst the other two went upstairs. On this occasion, it is not believed anything was taken. All were described as white, approx 5'9", one having a thin build, dark hair, short at sides and long on top, aged 20-25.The second had short blond crew cut hair and was a similar age. The third male was 17-23 with short with short black curly hair.

As the water board actually are undertaking work in the Partridge Green area at the moment, there are likely to be opportunists using a 'water board official' disguise. It is therefore important to reinforce the message of the need for the doorstoppers code - make sure a door chain is fitted and use it before opening every time - double check the callers identification by calling the purported company on the number listed in the phone book (as opposed to any phone number given on the identification itself) and if any doubt remains, refuse entry, close the door and report suspicions to the police immediately on 0845 6070999.

Charity Appeal Letter

A Horsham resident informed the police of receipt of a letter entitled 'Feed My People' appealing for funds to assist the starving in Africa. The letter uses hard-hitting language and asks for personal bank details. A national newspaper has reported that this US based charity refuses to reveal its financial information to US charity watchdogs, and it has two UK addresses currently under formal investigation.

Think very carefully before donating to such begging letters - there is a good chance the money will not reach your intended recipients, and never give out personal bank details to unrecognised sources.

Bogus antique dealer

Concerned residents report that an "antique dealer" has been issuing cards in Selsey which indicate that he will be calling back later. The card gives a mobile telephone number and address in Bedhampton, and indicates that the card should be shown to a policeman if the recipient does not trust the buyer! Our previous recommendations are that if seeking to sell items, it is advisable to contact a recommended reputable traceable purchaser, taking the item(s) to the shop if at all possible, and obtain several valuations. If a visit is really necessary, try to have a friend or neighbour there with you at the appointment. Never be tempted to allow unknown cold-callers into your home or be pressurised into selling immediately.

Earlier Information

Bogus council workmen

The owners of a property in Langley Green were approached by a man and a woman, who used a white van saying they had come to Hassocks & Haywards Heath.

Trading Standards have been made aware of salesmen in the above areas trying to persuade homeowners to switch their energy suppliers. In some cases they were using very aggressive selling tactics.

We would advise that consumers do NOT enter into or sign contracts unless all their questions have been answered and never to be pressurised into doing so at the request of commission-driven doorstep salesmen.

Consumers worried by harassing sales tactics may contact Energywatch on 0845 9060708 and report full details of their concerns.

Dishonest antiques dealer

Trading Standards received a call from a resident in Washington advising that they received a leaflet drop very early this morning notifying householders that a trader would be calling back later today wishing to purchase Gold, Silver, Jewellery and antique furniture, amongst other items. As outlined in previous bulletins, it is not recommended that householders admit unknown visitors into their homes to look around at items.

If wishing to sell articles, use recommended traceable dealers only and try to obtain more than one valuation. Ideally take the item(s) to the trading premises - if a home visit is absolutely necessary, try to arrange to have a friend or neighbour with you when the trader calls. Do not be pressurised or tempted to sell items to unknown callers.
 

Contact West Sussex Trading Standards on 01243 642125