TRADING standards officers have warned businesses to be aware of advertising companies who cold call in person.

In the past few weeks several local businesses have been targeted by advertising companies who say they are working on behalf of the local police or the crime prevention unit.

The advertising companies get traders to agree to an advertising contract where an advert will be placed in a crime prevention diary for £180.

No payments are requested up front but invoices are sent once the contract has been signed.

North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards has warned business owners to be wary after police confirmed that the crime prevention diary is not a publication they are aware of or use.

Anyone who has signed a contract for advertising that they feel is not correct can call Trading Standards’ business advice line on 01609-534868 or Consumer Direct on 08454-04-05-06 for advice.