Heat turned up on conning cold-callers

POLICE are encouraging older residents to sign up to the Nominated Neighbour scheme to keep themselves safe from bogus callers.

Participants in the scheme will not talk or open the door to cold-callers or allow them entry to their home unless the caller is accompanied by a nominated neighbour or friend.

The scheme aims to reduce distraction burglaries, where criminals pose as officials from energy providers, the council or other organisations to gain access to homes to steal valuables.

The force-wide launch of the scheme is part of Operation Yukon — a day of action targeting bogus officials, distraction burglars and rogue traders.

Other activities going on throughout the day of action include increased joint patrols by police and Trading Standards.

Untaxed and unregistered vehicles are commonly used by criminals and these will be targeted through extensive automatic number plate recognition operations on main routes throughout Greater Manchester. Police Community Support Officers will be visiting repeat crime victims and residents to give advice and information on the Nominated Neighbour scheme.

Mounted officers will also be patrolling hot-spot areas.

Det Supt Patrick McKelvey, who is leading Operation Yukon said: “Our advice is simple — if in doubt-keep them out — and don’t be pressurised into buying anything from cold-callers.”

For more information on the Nominated Neighbour scheme call 0161-872 5050 or contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team directly.