Cleveland Police are urging people to be vigilant after cold-caller incidents
Residents have been asked for money for work on broken roof tiles
Police are reminding members of the public to be vigilant after recent incidents in North Ormesby and Berwick Hills in Middlesbrough, whereby cold callers have asked residents for large deposits to carry out work on broken roof tiles.
The incidents happened on Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th January and on each occasion the cold callers suggested a ÂŁ1,000 deposit, with the final work estimated to cost in the region of around ÂŁ3,000.
Officers would like to remind residents to be vigilant around cold callers.
Inspector Darren Birkett, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Over the weekend we have seen a couple of reports of incidents whereby cold callers have quoted large amounts of money for seemingly small amounts of work.
“We would like to ask people not to deal with cold callers. People should not feel pressured to agree to work if they are contacted by people stating their property needs urgent work carrying out, or work which may be unnecessary, and we would urge people to only use reputable companies.
“We would also like to ask people to pass on this message to family members and neighbours and to keep an eye out for them and report any suspicious activity.”
Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents, or anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a cold caller, can call Cleveland Police on 101.
Anyone with concerns about cold callers or scams should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Services Helpline on 0808 223 1133 who are the first point of contact for all Trading Standards nationally.