City of York Council's Trading Standards team is warning residents to be extra vigillant this summer as August and September tend to be some of the busiest months for complaints about cold calling.

The initiative is part of the council's 'Feeling and Being Safe' campaign, which seeks to tackle issues of personal safety, property safety, enforcement activity and the fear of crime.

Although the majority of doorstep salespeople are reputable and professional, a small minority are rogue traders and can cause misery to residents who don't know how to spot their tactics.

Liz Levett, Trading Standards manager at City of York Council, said: "If you feel at all uncertain about a salesperson who calls at your home then just say 'no thank you' and close the door. Never let anyone into the house if you have any suspicions about them and always ask for ID. You are entitled to feel safe in your own home. Remember, your doorstep, your decision!"

"Dishonest traders have well rehearsed sales pitches that are designed to convince people that they need the goods and services on offer. It's never a good idea to have jobs done on the spot by someone who touts for business by calling uninvited at the door as you won't have time to seek other estimates and such traders invariably want cash and don't provide any paperwork. When the work turns out to have been unnecessary or overpriced they will be nowhere to be found.

"Remember, if you are paying more than £35 for anything and you have not invited the trader to call then check that you have been given an agreement that sets out your cancellation rights - you normally have, by law, seven days to cancel the deal."

Unscruppulous traders sometimes use the excuse that they're doing a survey, so they can gain the householder's confidence before trying to sell them something.

Other doorstep callers are confidence tricksters who hope to distract the householder while they steal from them. Housholders should always ask for ID and remember that reputable callers won't mind calling back after you have had a chance to check them out or when someone else can be at home with you.

Anyone who has concerns about cold callers or who is worried about older or vulnerable neighbours being targeted should contact the police or trading standards on 0845 6060247 or 08454 040506.