POLICE have reported a rise in the number of people concerned about unwanted 'cold callers' knocking on their doors.

Rutland officer PC McKinnon took to social media to say: "I have had a few reports in South Rutland recently of door step sellers and cold callers, so here's some information and advice that will hopefully help:

"Cold calling is the act of making uninvited visits to your home with the intention of selling goods or services. It is not illegal and does not require a licence.

"However, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence under the provisions of The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

"Any trader that puts you under pressure by falsely implying that you have to make a decision there and then, or that the "special price" is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, is committing a criminal offence.

"In addition, if you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then:

"You have fourteen days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should then be returned to you.

"The trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn't provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence and you are not bound by any agreement you enter into.

advertisement

"This protection applies even when you invite a trader to your home.

"Traders who sell goods door to door are required to have a Pedlar's Certificate issued by the Police, except for cold calls offering services like home maintenance work. Please note a Pedlar's Certificate is not a guarantee of legitimacy.

"Our advice if you do not require goods or services is to always say "No thank you – please leave" and then immediately close the door. If the trader won't go away, tell them that you will call Trading Standards. If you feel under real threat or in danger, you should contact the Police on 101 or if it is an emergency dial 999."