THE PSNI in Foyle are warning the public to be wary of cold callers at this time of year.
Chief Inspector Mervyn Seffen said: “In the run up to the Christmas week, please be aware of cold callers at your door. Not all are rogue traders – but some are.
“Unofficial traders can overcharge unsuspecting and often older householders for poor quality work or work that is never completed at all.
“Others may try to sell shoddy or over-priced goods, or attempt to trick their way into your house to commit a burglary.
“Most callers at your door will be genuine but someone could be trying to gain access to look around your property or charge you too much for bad or non-existent work.
“Report any activity that raises your suspicions to police immediately.
“This is a good way to alert us so we can investigate – and will help deter criminals and reduce crime in your area. Call us on the non-emergency number 101.
“You might have seen an unusual vehicle parked or travelling on a road in your area, or strangers calling at houses. Remember that these could well be criminals checking out what’s on offer, and the level of security at people’s homes.
“Take a note of the vehicle registration number and a description of any vehicles that cause you any concern, and pass that information onto police by phoning 101.
“Remember that the free Quick Check service (0800 013 12 90) is available to check if callers are genuine and ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ stickers are also available on request from your local Crime Prevention Officer by calling 101 or from the Policing and Community Safety Partnership by calling 0300 0300 900.”
If you have any concerns in relation to rogue traders, current scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam you can also visit the Scamwise NI website www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni