Home Watch Warning Cold Calling 8 January 2016

Subject: Home Watch Warning Cold Calling 8 January 2016

---

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Liz Biddle (Police, Community Engagement Officer, Chesh Engagement Unit)

Dear Home Watch Coordinator
I am writing to all Cheshire coordinators following 2 reports yesterday (Wednesday 7th January 2016) where cold calling tactics were used to sell residents large amounts of unwanted fish.  The 2 reports were for the Macclesfield and Alderley Edge area.
In recent weeks there have been further incidents where cold callers have been paid sums of money, after persuading residents that roofing and similar building work needs to be done.
Offering garden services and tree cutting are further examples of cold calling tactics where excessive sums of money may be asked for and the work done is poor value for money, incomplete or not done at all.  
Please take this opportunity to remind scheme members not to buy from cold callers at the door and encourage them to push back if they feel they are being talked into an unwanted sale.
Cheshire police would like you to use these examples to remind residents living in your scheme area, who may be vulnerable, not to be talked into buying items at the door by persuasive cold callers.  They should adopt a 'healthy suspicion' towards anyone coming to their door who they do not know, or are not expecting a visit from.
Cheshire police and Trading Standards are continually working together to offer advice and  warnings to the public and to track down criminals who continue to use these tactics.
You can help us by:-
Reminding vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives about cold calling; using current examples like those mentioned above to ensure they are prepared for 'an unexpected knock at the door'.
Reminding them they can call the police by dialling 101 if they are concerned.
Encouraging neighbours to report suspicious people or vehicles; passing vehicle registrations and descriptions of vehicles and people who you suspect may be targeting vulnerable residents.
If you believe there is a crime in progress - ring 999.
.