Information on Loughborough

Campaign launched to help householders protect themselves from unwelcome callers

Posted on 07/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

7 September 2009

Campaign launched to help householders protect themselves from unwelcome callers

Press release issued by:

Leicestershire Constabulary Corporate Communications Department

Force Headquarters, St John’s, Enderby, Leicester. LE19 2BX

Telephone: Leicester (0116) 222 2222, ext 2798

A new campaign was launched today to give householders valuable advice on protecting themselves from unwanted callers.

Some of those callers will be offering shoddy or unneeded work at inflated prices, and others may be trying to trick themselves into homes with the intention of stealing cash and valuables.

But Leicestershire Constabulary and Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service have launched a joint campaign to help householders keep these pests at bay.

They are offering practical advice at a series of roadshows. They will also invite applications for more “No cold calling” zones in the county.

Simple steps which can help protect a householder include:

  • asking yourself if you are expecting the caller – most utility companies will write to you in advance;
  • check their identity – if it looks suspicious, call the company before letting them in;
  • use a door chain until you are certain the caller is genuine;
  • keep your front and back doors locked.

    • Sgt Phil Tebbs from Leicestershire Constabulary said: “Unexpected callers can cause huge problems for trusting householders. By following simple rules householders can protect themselves.

    "If you have any doubt about whether a caller is genuine, don’t let them in and phone the police or Trading Standards immediately."

    David Bull Head of Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service said: "We are delighted to be working alongside Leicestershire Police in assisting residents to learn how to protect themselves, I would encourage individuals to attend the roadshows for themselves or on behalf of vulnerable family and friends."

    'No cold calling' zones are areas where members of the local community have decided they do not wish to have cold callers at all. The areas are clearly signed. Leicestershire Constabulary will be looking for community-minded individuals to act as co-ordinators for the new schemes in appropriate areas.

    Householders, their neighbours or relatives can get crime prevention advice by contacting their local police station on 0116 222 2222.

    The roadshows are being held as follows:

    Date Time Location Monday 7 September 9.30am to 12 noon Markfield Community Centre, Markfield Close, Markfield Monday 7 September 1pm to 3.30pm Co-Op, Leicester Road, Groby Tuesday 8 September 9.30am to 12 noon Outside Boyslade, Coventry Road, Burbage Tuesday 8 September 1pm to 3.30pm On road near to Brookside Shops, Brookside, Burbage Wednesday 9 September 9.30am to 12 noon Co-Op Wood Street, Earl Shilton Wednesday 9 September 1pm to 3.30pm Barwell Junior School, Shilton Road, Barwell Thursday 10 September 9.30am to 12 noon Braunstone Civic Centre, Kingsway, Braunstone Town Thursday 10 September 1pm to 3.30pm Leicester Forest East Post Office, Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East Friday 11 September 9.30am to 12 noon Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton Friday 11 September 1pm to 3.30pm Enderby Leisure Centre, Mill Lane, Enderby Monday 14 September 9.30am to 12 noon The Village Green, Great Bowden Monday 14 September 1pm to 3.30pm Green Park Recreation Ground, Little Bowden Tuesday 15 September 9.30am to 12 noon Car park, Elmscroft Road, North Kilworth Tuesday 15 September 1pm to 3.30pm Car park, Village Hall, Husbands Bosworth Thursday 17 September 9.30am to 12 noon Asda, Leicester Road, Oadby Firth Thursday 17 September 1pm to 3.30pm The Pavillion, Forest Road, Huncote Friday 18 September 9.30am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3.30pm Lutterworth Market Place

    For more information, contact Brendan McGrath, Leicestershire Constabulary Public Relations Officer, on 0781 207 2066.