Warning issued after cold callers target elderly residents in Wrexham

Residents across Wrexham are being urged to be aware of cold callers who are targeting properties and offering to carry out guttering work.

Police say they have received reports of men who are targeting elderly residents in the Mold Road area.

Doorstep crime is carried out by criminals who deliberately target vulnerable members of our communities. However these days, not everyone who calls at your door is who they seem so you should always be on your guard.

The following advice has been issued by North Wales Police to help prevent cold callers:

One:- If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in – they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.

Two:- Be prepared. Be in control. Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. Keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.

Three:- Call a neighbour or the police. Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller. If you think someone is a rogue trader call North Wales Police on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area – call 999.

If you do happen to get caught off guard and a cold caller does manage to get into your house, let us know about it as soon as possible. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and the sooner it’s reported the better chance there is of catching them and recovering your property.

North Wales Police work closely with local authority Trading Standards Teams and local partnerships to reduce this type of crime.

Remember genuine callers will not mind waiting. It’s your home. You don’t have to let anyone in.