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Trading Standards Protocol (Practitioners)

On 12th November 2002 a national Cold Calling Initiative was launched at the Annual Conference of the Trading Standards Institute at the Department of Trade and Industry.

IDentislot fully endorse and support the protocol, the protocol mirrors the excellent and widely supported IDentislot projects, which have been in operation now for over 3 years. Link; (IDentislot projects) IDentislot will continue to work within the scope of the protocol, and we will go further to ensure that every person who receives an IDentislot package, is fully aware of the protocol and the standardised behaviour expected of utility providers.

This national Cold Calling protocol is a major step in the right direction and underpins the importance of good practice and doorstep etiquette. The more organisations that sign up to the responsibility of providing their identity cards in a standard way, the better chance home occupiers will have of distinguishing between genuine callers and bogus callers. IDentislot is a "good practice evaluated" safety device which will allow the protocol to work effectively and provide home occupiers with a completely safe environment in which to receive, check and return a strangers identity details - WITHOUT EVER OPENING THE DOOR.

CONTROL IS FINALLY WITH THE HOME OCCUPIERS and not with the callers.

The Protocol

Where cold calling occurs utility staff adhere to a protocol involving:

• The handing of the identification card to the householder for examination
  Carrying a larger identification card which can be easily read by ageing eyes/usually impaired.
• Explaining the purpose of the user, and how the householder can check the user's authenticity.
• Where possible the representatives will have previously notified appointments. On occasions where this is not possible the following procedure will be observed; -

The representative will physically hand their identification card to the householder and declare their name and organisation. They will request that the householder compares their face with the photograph on the card and explain that they will not enter until the householder does so.

The representative will carry a larger identification card for examination by persons with sight difficulties Link : (see maximum size accepted by IDentislot device) This card will bear print of at least size / font 14 and enlarged photograph. The representative will explain the purpose of his / her visit.

The representative will explain that the householder can check their identification by telephoning their organisation ( message from IDentislot ---- NEVER ring the number on the identification card - check in your IDentislot pack, or local telephone book, or a utility bill, or direct enquiries) that they can arrange for attendance of a third party eg. A neighbour if they wish. The representative will make it clear that they will not enter the house unless the householder is happy for them to do so. The representative will always be happy to return at a later date / time if the householder requests. The organisation will provide a landline telephone number, preferably freephone, (something IDentislot already does) link ; crime prevention advice and useful numbers To facilitate employee bona-fide checks. This telephone number must be a direct line to a person / people and not utilise automated call management systems. Where possible this number should be listed in the public telephone directory and other company advertising material.

PROTOCOL FOR HOUSEHOLDERS
On 12th November 2002 a national Cold Calling Initiative was launched at the Annual Conference of the Trading Standards Institute at the Department of Trade and Industry.

IDentislot fully endorse and support the protocol, the protocol mirrors the excellent and widely supported IDentislot projects IDentislot is a "good practice evaluated" safety device which will allow the protocol to work effectively and provide home occupiers with a completely safe environment in which to receive, check and return a strangers identity details - WITHOUT EVER OPENING THE DOOR.

CONTROL IS FINALLY WITH YOU - THE HOME OCCUPIER and not with the caller. Please read the notes (in red) at the foot of this page which have been added for your safety and benefit.

(This is a copy of a letter to Leeds residents) form the Distraction Burglary Task Force Leeds) Sample, if in doubt keep them out

Dear resident

In an attempt to prevent people tricking their way into your home, the water, gas and electricity suppliers in Leeds have agreed their staff will follow the following procedure each and every time they visit your home.
Where possible, representatives will physically hand their ID card to you and declare their name and company. They will request that you compare their face with the photograph on the card and they will not enter until you do so. The representative will carry a larger ID Card for examination by persons with sight difficulties. If you have difficulty reading the small card, ask to be handed the larger one.

The representative will explain the purpose of his / her visit. The representative will invite you to check his / her authenticity by telephoning their company if you so wish.

We have therefore appended a card bearing the company telephone numbers in case You wish to make such a check. Link: (see the IDentislot telephone number pad) The representative will also invite you to call a friend to be present before entering if you so wish.

The representative will only enter the house after going through the above procedure and being assured that you are happy for them to do so.

We are not suggesting that you need to phone the relevant company each and every time someone such as a meter reader calls at your home, but we are requesting that you make such a check if you have the slightest doubt as to the authenticity of the visitor. Most of the telephone numbers on the card are free- phone numbers.
IF A UTILITIES REPRESENTATIVE FAILS TO COMPLETELY ABIDE BY THE ABOVE PROTOCOL YOU SHOULD SIMPLY CLOSE AND LOCK THE DOOR UPON THEM. TELL THEM TO WRITE AND MAKE A FUTURE APPOINTMENT.

Notes:

Advice from IDentislot-

• NEVER open your door to a stranger caller - even if you are expecting someone via a pre arranged appointment
• MAKE EVERY strange caller pass (NOT SHOW), pass their identification card to you through your new IDentislot device. If you don't already have an IDentislot - telephone IDentislot CIC on 01942 216515, and we arrange for a local approved contractor to fit one for you.
• NEVER ring the telephone number on the ID card - it may not be genuine)
• If the utilities do provide you with telephone numbers - write them down in your crime prevention pack and on the IDentislot telephone pad.
• If a stranger calls unexpectedly - ask for their identification card - make sure that you keep your door closed at all times. If you are not expecting them simply pass the id card back and ask them to make an appointment
• If a company has made an appointment, write the appointment in your dairy as a reminder and ALWAYS have a friend or family member with you.
• REMEMBER - NEVER OPEN YOU DOOR TO STRANGERS
  
  IT TAKES APPROX FIVE MINUTES TO CHECK A STRANGERS IDENTIFICATION SAFELY - - IT TAKES A LIFETIME TO GET OVER THE TRAUMA OF BECOMING A VICTIM!