Police and Trading Standards warn of growing doorstep scams
Wiltshire Police has issued a warning to Salisbury households after reporting an increase in activity by rogue traders operating on doorsteps in and around the city. The force and Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards team are urging residents to be cautious, to refuse unsolicited callers and to take steps to verify tradespeople before agreeing to any work.
Rogue traders are described as uninvited callers who use high-pressure tactics to sell substandard, incomplete or unnecessary home maintenance work — commonly including roofing, gardening and driveway repairs. The teams emphasise that these callers often target elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
“Rogue traders are uninvited doorstep callers that use high-pressure tactics to sell substandard, incomplete, or completely unnecessary home maintenance work (such as roofing, gardening, and driveway repairs),”
The force is asking neighbours, family and local community groups to keep an eye out for anyone who might be at risk and to report suspicious activity. Police and Trading Standards advise not to open the door to cold callers and to avoid engaging with anyone offering uninvited services.
Practical steps residents should take
Trading Standards has set out clear guidance for households to reduce the risk of falling victim to doorstep crime. Key points include:
- Never engage with uninvited cold callers — do not open the door or enter into conversation about home repairs.
- Check credentials — use verified professionals listed on the Buy With Confidence scheme, endorsed by Trading Standards.
- Obtain multiple quotes — always get at least three written estimates before agreeing to work on your property.
- Avoid cash payments — do not pay upfront or in cash; use a credit card or bank transfer to retain payment protection.
For more detailed advice and support the council points residents to its Trading Standards pages at wiltshire.gov.uk/trading-standards, which explain the Buy With Confidence scheme and how to check traders’ credentials.
How neighbours and local groups can help
Community vigilance can make a notable difference. Wiltshire Police is asking people to:
- Look out for vulnerable neighbours and offer to check details of unexpected callers or to take a message.
- Report suspicious doorstep approaches to police so officers can build a local picture of activity and, where necessary, take action.
- Share trusted contact details for local tradespeople among friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be isolated.
Local traders and small businesses often rely on word-of-mouth reputation; using verified, recommended firms helps protect residents and supports legitimate local businesses.
| Action | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Do not open the door to cold callers | Reduces pressure to make quick decisions and prevents entry to your property |
| Get at least three written quotes | Allows comparison and helps spot inflated or suspicious pricing |
| Use Buy With Confidence listed tradespeople | Provides vetted options backed by Trading Standards endorsement |
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a rogue trader, or who spots suspicious activity, should contact Wiltshire Police. Residents can also seek further advice from Wiltshire Council Trading Standards via their website.
With autumn and winter often bringing roofing and garden work to the fore, the joint message from police and council officers is clear: exercise caution, check credentials and look out for your neighbours.
