Bogus Callers: We’ve received reports of doorstep callers known as "Nottingham Knockers" or "duster sellers" calling at properties in Drinkstone, Creeting St Mary, Debenham and Elmswell over the Easter weekend. They may still be in the area, or could have moved on elsewhere in the County. These individuals are claiming to have been in prison and are on a youth offending scheme, attempting to mend their ways. The individuals go on to then try and sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. Trading Standards always advise residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices. The individuals work in groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme and many do not possess Pedlar’s Certificates, which are issued by police. If you are approached at the door, please refuse to buy. Report all doorstep callers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Protect yourself
Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the front door to someone you don’t know.
Watch out for anyone who says they’re in a hurry or it’s an emergency. Don’t let them pressure you. If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend or the police.
If you think a bogus caller has been to your home, call the police immediately on 999.
Never let someone into your house because you don't want to seem rude or unsympathetic.
Consider fitting a door chain and spy-hole to your front door; outside lighting can also help you identify callers.
Never let anyone into your home unless you are satisfied about who they are and what they want.
Public service employees are required to show identity cards when they come to your home. Examine the card carefully as fake cards have been used. The card should have a photograph and the name of the organisation. If you are at all worried, ring the organisation to check the caller is genuine. Use the telephone number given in the phone book or on your utility bill, rather than the one printed on the identity card. A genuine worker won't mind waiting.
Bird Flu: Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across England and Wales to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Tuesday 18 April 2023 (unless you are in a 3km protection or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone). Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
Poultry and captive bird keepers must:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Unsafe Products: Suffolk Trading Standards Import Surveillance Officers have detained a consignment of 248 unsafe products. The consignment of 148 power adaptors and 100 hairdryers was stopped at the Port of Felixstowe, with samples sent away for testing. All products were found to be unsafe. The listings for the products have been removed from eBay and the goods will be destroyed. The power adaptors pose a risk of electric shock and are fitted with a counterfeit plug. The hairdryers also pose a risk of electric shock and are fitted with a counterfeit plug. Further to this, the plug had been connected with incorrect polarity, e.g., the brown, live conductor had been connected to the neutral terminal and the blue, neutral conductor had been connected to the live terminal. All products failed to meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. If you have purchased a product that you think may be unsafe, stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Too Good To Be True: Longing to book a holiday? If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Remember to Take Five before sharing your personal or financial information, as some deals that are advertised online may not be all they seem.
Stay ahead of the criminals by following our tips:
Read online reviews from reputable sources to check websites are genuine.
Only use the secure payment method recommended by reputable online retailers.
If possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Tesco Free From Bran Flakes Recall: Tesco is recalling Tesco Free From Bran Flakes because some packs may contain a small amount of another cereal variant (chocolate pillows) that contain milk and hazelnut (nuts) which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to hazelnut (nuts).
Tesco Free From Bran Flakes
Pack size: 300g
Best before: 26 May 2024
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to hazelnut (nuts) do not eat it. Instead, return it to a Tesco store for a full refund, no receipt is required. For further details please contact Tesco customer services on 0800 505 555.