Police tackle bogus callers in run up to digital switch

Neighbourhood police teams were on the Butts in the town centre earlier this week to pass on information about bogus callers in run up to digital switch.

In the run up to the digital switchover members of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working with the Switchover Help Scheme to make sure that bogus callers are kept at bay.

Greater Manchester Police has joined the BBC-run Help Scheme to warn the people across the Rochdale area about potential bogus callers and to give information about identifying genuine Help Scheme workers.

Inspector Lin Houldershaw, from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “You will find that bogus callers often pose as tradesmen or officials. To many, especially those that appear older or vulnerable, these callers seem to be offering a simple helping hand. The reality is that some offenders will see this as an opportunity to con members of the public by selling them either an aerial or equipment that they don’t need or they will use this as an opportunity to enter homes and take items once inside.

“We are working with the Help Scheme to ensure any potential hoax callers don’t have the opportunity to commit such crimes in our area. With our support and advice we hope to ensure that everyone knows what checks they can make to ensure a caller is genuine.

“Potential bogus callers are warned that they are being watched and will be caught out. Remember the digital switch over is not an opportunity to commit crime.”

Taniya Butt, from the Help Scheme, said: “The Switchover Help Scheme has been designed to take the worry out of the digital switchover for eligible older and disabled people.

“Security is a big issue for us at the Help Scheme and we are delighted to be working with the Neighborhood Policing Team to reassure eligible people that this is a genuine offer of help and to encourage people to apply.”

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government to help older and disabled people make the change to digital TV on one of their TV sets.

Equipment has been specifically chosen for ease of use, and contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people. Help Scheme installers carry identification, have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and will never call without having made an appointment.

Residents are asked to follow a few simple steps to prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime:

Ensure all doors are locked even when at home.

Always put the chain on before you open the door, or look out of the window to identify the caller.

Always ask to see an ID card. If you are at all unsure, ask the caller to come back when you have someone with you.

Never be pressurised to accept unknown trades people at your door.

Don't keep large sums of cash in the home.