The following are a few simple guidelines set out by Essex Trading Standards in conjunction with Essex Police; although they are allocated to a specific month, most of them apply all the year round.

January:

Just remember, if a caller knocks and you're not expecting anyone, it's a good idea to check from the window first.  If you do need to go to the door, then use your door chain.  Tell the caller that you want to check their identity, then firmly close the door.
If the caller asks to come into the house, tell them that you never allow strangers in, and they need an appointment.

February:

Just remember that bogus callers look and sound very realistic.  Some claim to be "from the Waterboard" and made up excuses to come into your home.  (No, they should never be let in to "check under the sink").
All genuine employees of utilities (gas, water, electricity and telephone) carry identity cards and will not mind waiting outside while you check this identity.  Anglian Water Company is on 0800 919155

March:

You may be pestered by sales phone calls asking you to allow a representative to visit you at home.  You can easily reduce these unwanted calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service.   For free registration call 0845 070 0707

April:

Spring, and you may need some gardening work done.  Doorstep traders may be around offering tree cutting or general garden work.  Please be aware that this work is often over priced and very badly done.
You can call Essex County Council's Landscape and Ecology Group for a list of approved tree cutters on 01245 437659

May:

There are tarmac drive tricksters who go from house to house offering bargain rates of "loads left over".  This is usually shoddy work that can turn out to be an expensive mistake.   If you are approached, then call Trading Standards on 0845 4040506

June:

Block pavers may knock at your door offering a facelift for your drive or garden.  They may try to persuade you to have work done, tempt you with a cash bargain.  However, this work is often shoddy and the guarantees are usually worthless.  Never let a doorstep trader escort you to the bank to draw out the cash.  Don't be pressurised into making a snap decision on your doorstep.

July:

Be aware that in the hot weather a sneak thief can use this chance to get in an open door or window.  Going on holiday or for a day out?  Make sure milk and papers are not left on the doorstep and you lock windows and doors.  When you're out and about make sure your purse, handbag and wallet are kept safe.  If you need advice on security for your home you can call Braintree Police Station on 556210 or 551312and speak to Geoff Butler, the Crime Reduction Officer

August:

You may be approaced on your doorstep by bogus "Gas Board" workers saying that there is a gas leak and they need to come into your home.  They may appear to be genuine but just remember that the gas board no longer exists.  If you have any queries about gas supply or repairs in your neighbourhood you can call Transco on 0845 605 6677.

September:

If you need extra help in deterring cold callers, Trading Standards can supply you with "I'm not buying it" door stickers.  Just call Consumer Direct for these and other doorstep queries on 0845 4040506

October:

If you have been offered cheap gas or electicity by a doorstep caller you may want to check the offer with Energywatch on 0845 9060708.   Don't sign or agree on the doorstep.   Energywatch will also be able to tell you if you are entitled to free services from your energy supplier if you are of pensionable age or living with a disability.

November:

You may get a knock on your door from workers who say that your roof needs repair, or that the guttering is faulty.  They claim that they "Just happen to be in the area" and offer to do this urgent work straight away.  Don't believe these scare stories, they are rarely true.
Just check with family or friends before you agree to any work.  Get written estimates before you go ahead and don't feel pressurised to have work done.

December:

Make sure your Christmas savings are not kept at home, even the cleverst hiding place can be found.  When you go Christmas shopping don't carry large amounts of cash with you, keep an eye on your purse or wallet.

If you are concerned about doorstep callers, telephone the Trading Standards Hotline on 0845 404050

REMEMBER:- STOP, CHAIN, CHECK.

If you would like to have information on neighbourhood Watch please contact.
Clive Stewart, Essex Police, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
Braintree Police Station. Tel: 01376 556 282.