Vulnerable give cold shoulder to cold calls

The Oldham Doorstep Crime Action Group

A NEW scheme to protect vulnerable residents will slam the door shut on callous conmen.

An official No Cold Calling Zone has been launched at Spindle Court, Royton to discourage doorstep salesmen and women.

The Oldham Doorstep Crime Action Group, a partnership of agencies within Oldham committed to tackling doorstep crime, created the zone with the full agreement of residents full agreement.

They say it will help residents feel more confident in saying “no” to doorstep callers and to fully check any identification produced by the caller. Residents at the court have also been educated on their rights when dealing with doorstep callers.

Traders calling at homes within Spindle Court will be challenged by Oldham Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police, who will check out their credentials and explain the legalities of the zone.

As well as street signs and window stickers, the group has delivered an information pack.

Councillor Mark Alcock said: “With the No Cold Calling Zone in place, rogue traders and burglars will know that residents are fully educated on their rights and if they do knock on their doors they can expect an immediate response from the agencies involved.

“These zone are set up to help prevent vulnerable residents from becoming victims of rogue traders and distraction burglaries in their own homes, crimes we are committed to tackle in the borough.”

Inspector Colette Rose, of the Royton and Shaw Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “A lot of doorstep crime could be prevented if residents were more aware of doorstep etiquette.

“As part of this scheme, we are working with residents to teach them how to be more assertive when dealing with cold callers, and hopefully this will deter them from preying on vulnerable people.

“We advise people never to do business with a person who calls at their door without an appointment.

“If you are not expecting them, treat them with suspicion and do not let them in unless you have checked ID and are absolutely certain that they are genuine callers. The No Cold Calling Zone will help residents say no to unsolicited callers.”