Dear Resident,
WARNING: Be aware of fraudulent cold callers active in this area!
Multiple and regular instances of fraud are occurring in local streets, with rogue
workmen cold calling and offering to do unnecessary roofing or guttering work
after making false statements about their condition. These types of fraud occur
frequently and residents need to be vigilant and guard against rogue traders
calling at their home as well as the homes of their neighbours – particularly if they
are an older person or considered vulnerable. A victim’s life savings could be lost
to these fraudsters!
Trading Standards Service recommends:
(1) NEVER allow COLD CALLERS to carry out home maintenance type work such
as roofing, guttering, driveways, patios, tree care, pest infestation, rubbish
clearance and general building, especially where you are not already aware that
work is required.
(2) Cold callers may INITIALLY offer to carry out a small job for a very low price
such as to repair roof tiles or to clean the guttering. However, the intention is
often to falsely claim that you need a lot more work to be carried out such as a
new roof even if your roof is sound and they may even start to dismantle the roof
without your authorization.
(3) Fraudsters may trick you and gain your trust by pretending to work for another
resident in your street or using glossy flyers or dressing professionally perhaps
wearing safety helmets, matching clothes or a smart suit. Remember - a
fraudster can be good at deceiving victims!
(4) NEVER permit any cold caller to erect ladders, scaffolding or any other means of
attending your property. Most building maintenance is rarely urgent, so do not be
pressed into any agreement. Don’t be rushed!
(5) NEVER agree to any work unless you are sure it needs doing and the contractor
gives you a formal written quotation. Remember that contracts made in the home
usually have at least 14 days cancellation period: contact Citizens Advice Service
on 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
(6) WE RECOMMEND that you check a trader approval scheme such as Buy With
Confidence
https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ (or contact the Citizens
Advice Service on 03454 04 05 06 for info about traders on this scheme). Obtain
several quotes for major jobs.
(7) If you see suspicious tradesmen please note details of the van that they use
such as registration mark and make/model/colour or even take any photographs
and inform Trading Standards, or your local Police.
(8) CONTACT: If you think you are at risk of a fraud, or particularly if any threats are
made to you, call Police immediately on 999. In any case, please do not hesitate
to contact the Citizens Advice Service on 03454 04 05 06 if you are suspicious
of any tradesmen and Hillingdon Trading Standards Service will investigate.
(9) ALWAYS ask for identification if you are visited by officials from the water, gas or
electricity utilities or the Council. Check their ID card thoroughly and call the
customer services department to confirm that it is a genuine visit. Most utility
companies operate password schemes, so call yours and set one up. If you are
suspicious NEVER let them in.
(10) USE YOUR DOOR CHAIN. Or if you suspect a COLD CALLER and you are not
expecting anybody JUST DON’T ANSWER THE DOOR. Keep the fraudsters out
– Not sure? Don’t open the door!
(11) Ask your neighbours to SIGN UP TO OWL at
http://www.owl.co.uk and join the 9,000
(and growing) residents such as yourself who are now receiving regular updates
on local crime and ways to avoid becoming a victim.
Rogue traders may want to take you to your bank to withdraw large sums of cash or to
make a transfer. Banks are aware of these frauds and if you find yourself in this
position, simply mention the words ‘Banking Protocol’ to the cashier. The bank,
Police and Trading Standards will then take immediate steps to protect you and your
savings. Remember: STOP & THINK! Don’t be rushed; listen to your instincts and
stay in control.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police attended a house in Whittington Avenue, Hayes at 09:38hrs on Monday, 24 September, following concerns for the welfare of a missing woman. The body of a woman, aged in her early 30s, was found.
A post-mortem examination will be held on Tuesday, 25 September. Next of kin have been informed, but formal identification is yet to take place.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at a west London hospital later on 24 September. The man remains in hospital at this time – his condition is not life-threatening.
A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.
The woman and the arrested man are believed to have been known to each other. Nobody else is sought in connection with the murder.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.