North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning for cold callers targeting elderly residents in Harrogate.
Police issue warning about door-to-door callers in Harrogate North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning for cold callers targeting elderly residents in Harrogate. Police have received a growing number of cold calling incidents in the area and said they are aware of groups and individuals targeting elderly residents with offers of unsolicited gardening work. Unsolicited calling, or cold calling, is when people are approached by someone offering a service despite not requesting it. Police have said that the cold callers may charge inflated prices or pretend to find more and more jobs that need doing on a property. A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
“We’re aware of Harrogate households in different areas of the town being approached for landscaping and gardening work. We’re working proactively to address this. “As part of this work, we want residents to be aware of the risks and to know what to do if someone turns up at their door offering services like gardening work, building maintenance or selling goods. “We’d advise people to be wary - legitimate gardening and maintenance businesses usually work through recommendations and don’t need to knock on doors to get business."He added:
“Always give yourself plenty of time to make decisions about who you employ and ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations. “And don’t feel bad about saying ‘no’. Normal businesses understand that people want to shop around and won’t try to pressure you into a decision on the spot. If they do, that’s a massive red flag."If someone has cold called at your house and you feel like they are suspicious, report it immediately by calling 101 – officers can and do attend streets based on such calls. If anyone who cold calls tries to enter your home without your permission, is threatening or refuses to leave your property, call 999. The force spokesman said:
“Sadly, elderly people are particularly at risk. So if you have older parents, relatives or friends, please share this message with them and check they know how to stay safe if cold callers knock on their door.”Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate Town sign Burnley youngster on loan
Harrogate drivers urged to submit footage of dangerous driving
Popular Dog Day returns to Himalayan Garden near Ripon
New Reformer Pilates studio to open in Harrogate
Work begins on Harrogate and York RSPCA's £2m animal home
Free bike repair event returns to Valley Gardens this weekend
Harrogate trains disrupted following death on railway
Businesses urged to sign up for Harrogate's Restaurant Week
Ripon MP warns over rise in unemployment-related benefits
New children's play area opens at Otley Garden Centre
Harrogate Town sign Middlesbrough midfielder on season-long loan
Harrogate adult learners prove it's never too late to achieve GCSE success
Ashville pupils celebrate GCSE success as new Sixth Form awaits
Police warning after counterfeit cash scam in Knaresborough
Outstanding GCSE results at one of Yorkshire's only all-girls schools
Volunteers transform children's play area at Harrogate hospital
Ripon market days see 31% increase in footfall
Harrogate pupils achieve best top-grade GCSE results in four years
Harrogate High head 'enormously proud' of school's GCSE results
Three new independent businesses join Halls of Ripon
