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| Getting Hot on Cold Callers in Flintshire |
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| Wednesday, 27 February 2008 | |
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Getting Hot on Cold Callers in Flintshire Unfortunately, Cold Callers are a problem in Flintshire as they are in other areas. Last year Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch, Trading Standards along with The Community Safety Partnership launched the pilot ‘No Cold Calling’ schemes in selected areas throughout Flintshire. Other initiatives are also being looked into to try and stop cold callers – full stop!. PC Hazel Goss (MBE), Community Safety Officer is looking at obtaining stickers to go on the outside of doors in an effort to deter cold callers. This stickers will be made available to elderly residents and people who feel vulnerable. The design of the sticker is effective and advises potential cold callers that the resident does not buy from doorstep sellers. The sticker goes on to say No Cold Callers No home repairs or improvements No Surveys or free advice Please only call by appointment ID required No buying or selling PC Hazel Goss says “I am always looking at different initiatives to help the Community to be more aware of Bogus Callers, Rogue Traders and stop the Elderly and the Vulnerable being targeted by these people. The stickers that I have designed will hopefully deter callers as the sticker tells them not to call for any reason other than they have permission and you are expecting them, or they are one of the emergency services who will always carry identification should they call on you unexpectedly”. Residents are reminded to LOCK STOP/CHAIN and CHECK. LOCK: Keep your front and back doors locked even when at home STOP: Before you answer, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back door and taken the key out. CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain on or bar first. Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off in case you need to get out in an emergency) CHECK: Check their details before you let them into the house. Do not agree to any work being done or sign a contract until after you have talked to someone else. If you would like to know more about Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch visit our website www.fnwa.org.uk or telephone 01352 707545. Alternatively enquiries can be e mailed via the contact us page. If you wish to report an incident to North Wales Police telephone 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) or 0845 607 1002 (English language line) – in an emergency dial 999. If you would like any more information regarding the No Cold Calling stickers contact PC Hazel Goss on 07979705701. If you think you have had a bogus trader contact Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 040506. |
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