Thursday 23rd September 2010
You’re not welcome here – that’s the message to bogus callers thinking of operating in the east end of Dumbarton.
Following the success of a pilot scheme in the Silverton and Overtoun areas of Dumbarton, Phase 2 of the Cold Calling Control Zone scheme got under way last week.
The scheme, which aims to help local residents take positive action against bogus caller crime, is being run by West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Safety Partnership, Strathclyde Police and the Council’s Trading Standards department.
The Phase 1 pilot, launched in July, covered approximately 1500 homes bounded by the A82, Crosslet Road, Alclutha Avenue and Geils Avenue. During the pilot, West Dunbartonshire Council’s Public Reassurance Team challenged 48 suspicious persons and passed on 120 vehicle registration numbers to Strathclyde Police and related agencies for their attention.
Phase 2 of the scheme covers approximately 900 homes in the following streets: Remainder of Dumbuck Road, Remainder of Crosslet Road, Smollett Road, Lennox Road, Douglas Road, Millburn Road, Millburn Crescent, White Avenue, Boghead Avenue, Dumbuie Avenue, Overwood Drive, and part of Round Riding Road.
Cold Calling Control Zone signage has been placed on key arterial routes throughout the area, prompting local residents to call a dedicated Cold Caller Hotline (01389 772048) if they have any suspicions about the validity of workmen operating in their neighbourhood.
The Hotline will be staffed 20 hours a day by the Council’s Public Reassurance Team. Any calls regarding suspicious cold calling will be forwarded to Trading Standards and the Police.
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Public Reassurance Officers have now delivered “No Cold Calling” packs containing simple and easy to follow advice, door stickers and fridge magnets to all householders in the Phase 2 area, to help raise awareness of the hotline and to encourage members of the community to be vigilant on behalf of more vulnerable neighbours.
Councillor Craig McLaughlin, the Council’s Convener for Corporate Services, gave residents a few tips. He said: “Rogue doorstep sellers can con householders into paying for expensive, poor quality, and often unnecessary goods and services. Particular problem areas have been the sale of alarm systems, roofing repairs and orthopedic beds. Consumers should be aware that if they are approached in this manner they usually have a statutory cooling off period where they can cancel the contract without penalty.”
During their regular patrols, the Police and WDC Public Reassurance Teams will actively challenge any workmen who they suspect may be cold calling in the area and offer them the appropriate advice regarding their activity.
Lomond and Clyde Care and Repair, who are also supporting the scheme, can offer free home safety and security checks to residents over 60 or those who are disabled. They also offer advice on choosing a contractor, and have a list of approved contractors which is available by contacting them on 01389 734188.
Commenting on the launch of Phase 2 of the Cold Calling Control Zone, Chief Inspector Ian Wallace from Strathclyde Police said: “The pilot phase of the Cold Calling Control Zone has been a great success. The information received from the public and our partner agencies will help build a bigger picture of how bogus callers operate, the vehicles that are involved and the persons associated with this type of criminal activity. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank members of the public who are keeping an eye out for their more vulnerable neighbours.”
Local people are also reminded that anyone in West Dunbartonshire – not just residents within the Cold Calling Control Zone - can use the Cold Caller Hotline (01389 772048) to report suspicions about the validity of workmen operating in their neighbourhood.
