A no-go zone for cold callers
Greater Manchester Police have set up a No Cold Calling Zone in a local authority housing area in Newton Heath to protect elderly and vulnerable residents from the threat of bogus callers, distraction burglaries and rogue traders.
Greater Manchester Police have set up a No Cold Calling Zone in a local authority housing area in Newton Heath to protect elderly and vulnerable residents from the threat of bogus callers, distraction burglaries and rogue traders.
As part of the initiative, metal warning signs will be fitted to lampposts in the area and residents will receive leaflets advising them about the scheme and how to deal with and report any suspicious callers. CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the premises and three gates, which provide access to the housing, can now only be operated with an electronic fob.
Inspector Steve McFarlane said: By introducing these safety measures, including the No Cold Calling Zone, CCTV cameras and electronic gates, we are ensuring that the elderly residents do not fall victim to crime. It also sends out a clear message to criminals that their actions will not be tolerated and their every move is being monitored and recorded.
This scheme has also enabled us to work with the residents and educate them about the need to ask for identification, only letting people into their property if they have checked the callers credentials.