STOCKTON Borough Council is giving away free “no doorstep callers” stickers as part of National Consumer Week (NCW).

This year’s NCW, which takes place this week, is focussed on stopping rogue traders and doorstep crime.

The stickers carry a message stating uninvited callers are not welcome and warns them that ignoring the request not to call could be a criminal offence.

As part of the week, people are also being encouraged to look out for rogue doorstep traders preying on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

Cllr Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “We are launching our new no cold calling door stickers in support of this and appealing to traders to respect the wishes of residents who are displaying the stickers while also reminding them they could be breaking the law by ignoring them.

“Make no mistake, the Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing service backs up initiatives like this with tough action against rogue traders and will prosecute them wherever possible.

“These investigations are complicated and time consuming. Often witnesses are vulnerable and it can be difficult to trace traders who use false addresses and identities.

“In recent months we’ve been involved in several cases that have seen rogue traders jailed for taking thousands of pounds from vulnerable people only to fail to complete the work promised or do it to a dangerously poor standard."

The free “no doorstep callers” stickers are available from the Consumer Advice Team based in the Customer Contact Centre in Stockton Library.

Alternatively, call Stockton Council’s Trading Standards service on 01642-526560.