Police issue warning after cold caller incidents
Local police are reminding householders to be vigilant of cold calling and check the credentials of any person who calls to your door.
The reminder comes after police received a number of reports of cold callers operating in the Kilkeel area last week.
Crime Prevention Officer Lisa Sherman said, “Criminals use cold calling as a way to gain entry to your home or to pressurise you to buy goods or services at highly inflated prices.
“Of course we recognise that not all cold callers are rogue traders or criminals however we want every householder, particularly the more vulnerable, to have the confidence to refuse services they do not require or want.
“If someone you do not know calls to your door use the ‘Lock, Chain, Check’ routine. Lock all doors when not in use and use a door chain or bar when opening the door to callers.
“Check the identity of callers before opening the door. Ensure that back doors are locked before answering or opening the front door. If unsure about the caller, do not open the door and do not let them enter your home.
“If uncertain about the caller, the QUICK CHECK scheme can be used to check the identity of callers by telephoning Free phone 0800 013 22 90. A call centre operator will answer that number and can quickly check with any service provider if the person at the door is a genuine caller from that particular company.
“You may also want to consider making your neighbourhood a no cold calling zone,” she continued. “The PSNI and Trading Standards No Cold Calling Campaign aims to empower householders to feel safe in their own home through the display of No Cold Calling stickers which clearly instruct cold callers not to call at that property.
“Packs with No Cold Calling stickers and leaflets are available by contacting your local crime prevention officer. The new No Cold Calling window stickers can be placed on doors and windows to make cold callers aware that they are not welcome at that address.
“The sticker also has a contact number to report any callers who ignore the warning to police and Trading Standards. If you would like to make your home a no cold calling zone, please contact your crime prevention officer on 101,” Lisa added.
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Posted by Newry Times News
on Mar 12 2015. Filed under Community.
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