Post by Admin Nick on Feb 2, 2014 10:02:32 GMT
Hi all,
You may have received a cold call from a young lady in the last couple of weeks asking if you want to have a quote for cleaning your driveway or something similar. We had a knock at the door and the girl had a yellow business card with her as per the following. Please see the following from the local Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator:
Dear Coordinator
Having attended the Crosspool Forum last night I understand from the Police that there has been some undesirable cold callers around the Crosspool area recently, Hallamshire Road and Barholme Road, but as always, they could be operating anywhere in the area so do be alert.
They are carrying a distinctly yellow business card stating they clean roofs, gutters and drains and drive a fairly new silver transit van sadly targeting the elderly and vulnerable. Often the first contact is made by two smartly dressed young lads aged about 13 and 16 years old who arrange for older men to carry out the work for extortionately high prices.
They have been known to even take a person to their bank so they can withdraw the money. Fortunately in one case the bank realised what was happening and contacted the Police but the so called workmen had left the scene by the time they arrived. The loss of money though had been avoided.
That is not always the case of course and not always does the victim report the crime. If you know of anyone that may be vulnerable do make them aware of cold callers and encourage them not to open the door to anyone the don't know. If anyone is seen fitting the above description, we have been asked to please ring 101 to report it as soon as possible so the Police and Trading Standards can stop them operating.
Thank you for your support and do circulate this information which will help the Police and our neighbours.
I will be sending a confirmer message reiterating the above information so apologies for repeating it but I think it is important to reach everyone and let me know if you do not receive it so you can be added to the system in future. Do press 1 when asked at the beginning of the message as it is a little disconcerting with possible scams around.
Pat Wilkins
Neighbourhood Watch
You may have received a cold call from a young lady in the last couple of weeks asking if you want to have a quote for cleaning your driveway or something similar. We had a knock at the door and the girl had a yellow business card with her as per the following. Please see the following from the local Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator:
Dear Coordinator
Having attended the Crosspool Forum last night I understand from the Police that there has been some undesirable cold callers around the Crosspool area recently, Hallamshire Road and Barholme Road, but as always, they could be operating anywhere in the area so do be alert.
They are carrying a distinctly yellow business card stating they clean roofs, gutters and drains and drive a fairly new silver transit van sadly targeting the elderly and vulnerable. Often the first contact is made by two smartly dressed young lads aged about 13 and 16 years old who arrange for older men to carry out the work for extortionately high prices.
They have been known to even take a person to their bank so they can withdraw the money. Fortunately in one case the bank realised what was happening and contacted the Police but the so called workmen had left the scene by the time they arrived. The loss of money though had been avoided.
That is not always the case of course and not always does the victim report the crime. If you know of anyone that may be vulnerable do make them aware of cold callers and encourage them not to open the door to anyone the don't know. If anyone is seen fitting the above description, we have been asked to please ring 101 to report it as soon as possible so the Police and Trading Standards can stop them operating.
Thank you for your support and do circulate this information which will help the Police and our neighbours.
I will be sending a confirmer message reiterating the above information so apologies for repeating it but I think it is important to reach everyone and let me know if you do not receive it so you can be added to the system in future. Do press 1 when asked at the beginning of the message as it is a little disconcerting with possible scams around.
Pat Wilkins
Neighbourhood Watch