Lewisham Police and Lewisham Council are urging residents to be wary of bogus cold callers offering to carry out maintenance work in or about their premises.

This follows two incidents on Wednesday (12.09.12) where a man offered to carry out maintenance work on the rear garden and cut the tree.

In one case the householder agreed to the work but became suspicious when the man asked for more money than was agreed.

In the other case the householder had not agreed to any work being carried out, the tree in her front garden was cut without her permission and the suspect than asked her for payment.

In both cases they made it clear to the suspect they would contact the police before he made off.
Lewisham Police and Lewisham Council urge householders to heed the following advice:

Make sure your door is locked when you’re at home and don’t unlock it until you’re sure who is on the other side.
If someone appears at your door, and you’re not expecting any visitors, check that all the doors are locked. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking. Ask for, and double check, their identity card.
If they can’t show you any identification, don’t let them in if they do show you their identity still phone the company they say they are from to double check they are genuine. Get the company's number from the phone book DO NOT phone the number on their card.
You should never be pressurised into agreeing to buy something or have work done, and a genuine trader will always provide you with a document setting out your rights to cancel the contract.
Don't agree to any work on the basis of a verbal quote. If you need work done, obtain written quotes from a number of reputable companies;
Whatever you do, don't agree to be taken to the bank by workmen to withdraw money, as reputable companies will not request this;
Fix a price and be specific about what you want done. Make sure you have everything in writing and do not rely on verbal agreements. Anyone who enters into a contract on the doorstep is likely to have seven days to cancel
For further advice about your rights as a consumer ring Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506 ;

Anyone with any information bogus callers is asked to contact Lewisham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous