Warning Over Cold Callers In New Forest

22 September 2010, 12:58 | Updated: 22 September 2010, 13:02

New Forest police are warning residents to be on their guard against ‘cold calls’ by salespeople..

Officers say anybody receiving unwanted phone or doorstep calls should not feel pressured - tell them you are not interested in their product and that you will be informing the police.

The Safer New Forest Partnership also advises local people to check that elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours are made aware of how to deal with nuisance calls.

There's been an increase in complaints about cold callers received by police across the district. In some cases, cold callers have falsely claimed to be linked with the police or crime prevention officers in the area.

Police warn that a company representative calling at your home may use hard-selling tactics in an attempt to get the householder to sign for a product they don’t want.

NFDC portfolio holder for crime and disorder, Cllr Goff Beck, added:

“Cold calling puts unwanted pressure on local residents who may feel overwhelmed by the salesperson and obliged to sign up for something they don’t want.

 “If you receive a nuisance call, make a note of the telephone number of the caller if you can, tell them that you are not interested in their product and that you will be informing the police of their call.”

The Safer New Forest Partnership has free No Cold Calling window stickers available.

You can collect one from the NFDC local offices or telephone Stephanie Bennett, Safer New Forest Co-ordinator on 02380 285148 or email stephanie.bennett@nfdc.gov.uk 

If you are being pressurised in your home or feel you are being overcharged by a cold caller, please contact the police on 0845 045 4545 or the local Trading Standards department on 0845 404 0506.