Menu
18/05/2006
Warning of rogue traders in Belfast area
The elderly and vulnerable people within the community have been urged to be wary of rogue traders and bogus callers that may be operating, particularly in the north Belfast area.
Police are concerned that some older and more vulnerable people are still falling victim to rogue workmen and plausible sales people who then demand large sums of money.
Isolated and pressured into paying, these victims are often driven to a bank, building society or post office to withdraw cash.
The majority of reported incidents have involved callers offering to seal tarmac driveways, garden work, gutter replacements. They normally do not carry identification, are reluctant to give an estimate in writing and will normally ask for cash. They rarely offer a receipt.
Use the following advice if someone calls at your door:
If a doorstep seller or trader refuses to leave your premises, close the door and call 999.
Anyone who has any information regarding these types on incidents they are asked to contact Antrim Road Police station on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(SP)
Police are concerned that some older and more vulnerable people are still falling victim to rogue workmen and plausible sales people who then demand large sums of money.
Isolated and pressured into paying, these victims are often driven to a bank, building society or post office to withdraw cash.
The majority of reported incidents have involved callers offering to seal tarmac driveways, garden work, gutter replacements. They normally do not carry identification, are reluctant to give an estimate in writing and will normally ask for cash. They rarely offer a receipt.
Use the following advice if someone calls at your door:
- Keep front and back doors locked;
- Fit a door bar/chain and use it;
- Only deal with callers by appointment;
- Always ask for an identity card and check it carefully;
- Always use reputable tradesmen;
- Never do business with cold callers.
- Don’t sign on the spot - take time to think about the transaction;
- Do not keep large amounts of money in your house;
- Never agree to go to your bank/building society/post office to withdraw money.
If a doorstep seller or trader refuses to leave your premises, close the door and call 999.
Anyone who has any information regarding these types on incidents they are asked to contact Antrim Road Police station on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2016
Cold Callers Target Elderly Residents In Ballymoney
Elderly and vulnerable residents in the Ballymoney area are being targeted by cold callers requesting that they hand over any new £5 notes. A man and woman claiming to be from the government are asking residents to return all notes to them as they are no longer of legal tender.
Cold Callers Target Elderly Residents In Ballymoney
Elderly and vulnerable residents in the Ballymoney area are being targeted by cold callers requesting that they hand over any new £5 notes. A man and woman claiming to be from the government are asking residents to return all notes to them as they are no longer of legal tender.
19 May 2005
Police issue bogus callers warning
Police in Belfast, Antrim and Downpatrick have warned the public to be wary following a number of recent incidents involving bogus callers. Over the past few weeks there have been several reports received by officers where a man and a woman have been involved in targeting the homes of older people.
Police issue bogus callers warning
Police in Belfast, Antrim and Downpatrick have warned the public to be wary following a number of recent incidents involving bogus callers. Over the past few weeks there have been several reports received by officers where a man and a woman have been involved in targeting the homes of older people.
20 November 2013
PSNI Warns Against 'Distraction Callers'
The PSNI has released a statement asking the public to be aware of potential 'distraction burglars' and 'bogus callers', following a spate of recent reports. Officers are particularly targeting residents in the C District area, which covers County Down, North Down, Ards and Castlereagh.
PSNI Warns Against 'Distraction Callers'
The PSNI has released a statement asking the public to be aware of potential 'distraction burglars' and 'bogus callers', following a spate of recent reports. Officers are particularly targeting residents in the C District area, which covers County Down, North Down, Ards and Castlereagh.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
15 August 2019
Cold Callers Offering Knives For Sale In Co Down
The PSNI is reminding members of the public to be vigilant when dealing with cold callers following reports of individuals offering knives for sale in County Down. A number incidents were reported in the village of Donaghcloney, near Craigavon, in recent days.
Cold Callers Offering Knives For Sale In Co Down
The PSNI is reminding members of the public to be vigilant when dealing with cold callers following reports of individuals offering knives for sale in County Down. A number incidents were reported in the village of Donaghcloney, near Craigavon, in recent days.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
