Residents tackle bogus callers in Redbridge

Selected households are putting stickers outside their homes telling cold callers they are not welcome and reminding them it is a criminal offence not to leave if asked.

The action pack also includes a list of phone numbers to report bogus callers.

The scheme, run by the Redbridge Bogus Caller Partnership, aims to deter the callers and give residents the advice and information to use if they are harassed.

Steve Brown, fire borough commander and partnership chair, said: “The partnership is vital in protecting our most vulnerable residents and has been highly effective in reducing bogus caller crime in Redbridge because of the commitment of all multi-agency partners.

“This new sticker initiative which we are piloting in the south of the borough will offer further protection and sends out a clear message that bogus caller criminals who target our most vulnerable residents will not be tolerated in Redbridge.”

Distraction burglaries have fallen in Redbridge from 138 recorded cases in 2006 to just 33 in 2011.

Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice on 0845 040506.