No warm welcome for cold callers

Local residents of Thistleyfields show their support for the ‘No Cold Calling’ zone set up in their neighbourhood, with Police Community Support Officer, Angela Smith and Councillor Christine Akram (back left).

In a campaign against doorstep crime, a neighbourhood in Firgrove has been launched as the fourth ‘no cold calling’ zone across Rochdale this week.

The initiative, organised by Rochdale Council, Greater Manchester Police and other agencies in the Doorstep Crime Action Group, aims to reduce the number of rogue traders, distraction burglars and bogus callers who target vulnerable people, by sending a clear message to cold callers that they are not welcome.

The scheme has resulted in four metal warning signs being fitted to lamp posts in Firgrove and 67 households receiving supporting material. The zone covers the sheltered accommodation and bungalows on Halliwell Street, Thistle Green and Uncouth Road.

During the launch event at Thistleyfields sheltered accommodation, Police Inspector Lynn Houldershaw of Littleborough Police Station pledged her support for the scheme along with two local Police Community Support Officers, Councillor Ted Flynn, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, and Councillors Brenda Kerslake and Christine Akram.

Rochdale Council's Chief Trading Standards Officer Andy Glover anticipates that the no cold calling zone will be as successful as the others in the town.

“The residents of Firgrove welcomed the idea of the no cold calling zone and we hope that it will help us to further reduce doorstep crime incidents," he said. "Most importantly the public must now ensure that they do not tolerate doorstep callers and report any incidents to trading standards.”

Nicola Oldham, Greater Manchester Police’s Homewatch administrator, who helped to organise the scheme added: “As part of this scheme, we want to work with local people and teach them how to be more assertive when dealing with cold callers.”

If you are a victim of doorstep crime, call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050. Alternatively, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. To find out more about the ‘No Cold Calling’ scheme call 01706 924262.