Police warn against pushy traders
OTTERY police are urging people to be wary of firms using high pressure sales techniques after an elderly resident was targeted.
Ottery town neighbourhood beat manager Phil Thomas said on Saturday a Riverside View resident had been pressured by two men into paying for work that had been done poorly.
PC Thomas said: “It was an extortionate amount of money they were requesting for pressure washing her driveway and minor pointing work.
“They called at her door and she quite rightly notified us.”
Trading standards have been notified, as there should have been a quote given prior to the work being done, and the customer should have been given a cooling-off period.
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While there were no threats involved, it left the victim shaken.
PC Thomas said: “We’re asking people to always go to a reputable firm and if there are any issues, to contact us.”
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Signs for a particular driveway design firm have been popping up in the Ridgeway and Kennaway Road area of the town.
Paul Lewis, of Winters Lane, had dealings with the people involved after they placed a sign on the bank outside his house.
“They were just looking for a bit of publicity, they didn’t ask to put it there, so I took it down,” he said.
This was noticed by the sign owner as he went past later, and he stopped and asked Paul why it had been taken down.
“We got into a bit of a slanging match, I told him I didn’t want it on my property,” said Paul.
It was then left by the Winters Lane road sign.
Paul said: “The attitude was intimidating and would’ve been frightening to an elderly person or somebody living alone.”
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of high pressure sales techniques can contact the police on 08452 777 444.
