Thursday 1 August 2013

Could you help a neighbour tackle cold callers?

Do you know someone in the village who isn't comfortable dealing with cold callers or other unexpected visitors? Would you be prepared to register as their ‘nominated neighbour’ to help them sort the genuine callers from the conmen?

The County Council have just launched their Nominated Neighbour Scheme and are looking for volunteers to protect vulnerable people in their local area.

The system works like this. When a cold caller arrives, they are shown a card which tells them to go to the Nominated Neighbour’s home to have their identity verified. If satisfied, the Nominated Neighbour then comes back to the house while the visit takes place to make sure nothing untoward happens.

It is hoped that genuine callers will be happy to follow the procedure but criminals will be quickly deterred and leave the vulnerable person in peace.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Trading Standards on 01539 713594 or email trading.standards@cumbria.gov.uk.

Alternatively, if you are worried about a caller or wish to report a doorstep crime, please ring the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 or ring the police on 101.