Police warning after bogus callers target elderly
25 April, 2008
Nottinghamshire Police is urging homeowners to report suspicious cold callers after receiving information a security company is approaching elderly residents claiming to be partners of the ‘Police’.Residents in Chilwell have told officers an alarms business has been calling on doors, touting for work and claiming they are working in conjunction with the ‘Police’ and the ‘Council’.
The businessmen then offer to install intruder alarms and other security products quoting around £6,500 for the work to be done.
Officers believe this figure to be excessive and, although the police encourage security improvements, are sure good quality alarms can be bought at much cheaper rates.
Warning
Nottinghamshire Police is now warning all residents, but especially the elderly, to be wary of cold callers and to report any suspicious activity.
Superintendent Mike Manley said: “Nottinghamshire Police is not working in partnership with any alarm or security company and I would urge residents to report any similar activity to the police.
“Unfortunately rogue trader style cold callers appear very trustworthy and credible at first.
“However once you let them inside your home they will try to suggest additional work, will not give up easily and have been known to charge exorbitant rates for any work they do carry out.
”Always ask for ID”
“As a result, never let uninvited callers into your home, always ask for ID and check it carefully, do not rely on a telephone number they give you because it might not be genuine.”
For further information about home security visit see the Crime Reduction pages of this website or contact your local Crime Reduction Manager on 0115 967 0999.
By editor@nottinghamng9.co.uk.
