Don't be fooled by rogue traders

Rochdale residents are being warned not to be fooled this winter by bogus callers following a spate of incidents across the Rochdale Borough area where men, claiming to be from the water board and other utility firms have conned their way into victims’ homes.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Stevens for Rochdale Division said: “The offenders know what they are doing and have deliberately preyed on older and vulnerable people. My advice to residents is to refuse entry to anyone asking to check the colour of the water, pressure, or taps. The water board doesn’t exist anymore and the only provider in the North West is United Utilities. If in doubt, please phone United Utilities to check if the caller is genuine, but don’t rely on the contact number given to you by the caller because it may be fake.

“If you are not expecting these callers, treat them with suspicion and do not let them in unless you have checked ID and are absolutely certain that they are genuine callers.

“Remember, genuine employees will not mind waiting while you contact the company to check their identity.”

Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the password scheme offered by utility companies.

DCI Stevens added: “I’m also eager to set up more Nominated Neighbour schemes in the area. This involves participants not talking or opening the door to cold callers or allowing them entry to their home, unless a ‘nominated neighbour’ or friend accompanies the caller. Residents will be supplied cards with information on the scheme and contact details for the nominated person that they will be able to hold up to callers through a window.” 

Rochdale Borough Council is supporting the Office of Fair Trading’s national ‘Your Doorstep, Your Decision’ campaign which aims to educate and empower people to say ‘NO’ to cold callers.

Gwilym Davies, Crime and Disorder Officer at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Bogus salespeople have been known to target the elderly and vulnerable and pressure them into buying products and services that they don’t necessarily need.

“The Your Doorstep, Your Decision campaign wants to highlight this issue. We want homeowners to avoid making snap decisions, but rather take the time to consider carefully, with the support of family and friends, whether expensive house repairs are needed. A good tip is to gather some different quotes from traders so as to make more informed decisions.

“Remember it’s your doorstep, your decision! Don’t let them in.”

The council has created four ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ across the borough, one in Syke and another in Milnrow, and there are plans for a further zone to be introduced next year. The zones are clearly marked with street signs so it’s clear to cold callers that they’re not welcome.