FREE No Cold Callers sign

Keep cold callers away with this window card stating uninvited callers are not welcome.

The card is available from the Customer First Centres in North Shields, Wallsend, Whitley Bay, and Killingworth. You can also download and print your own card below.

Download the No Cold Calling card

North Tyneside Council's Trading Standards Team and Northumbria Police are reminding residents not to deal with cold callers.

It follows a complaint by a Monkseaton resident about a door-to-door salesperson who claimed they were visiting homes as part of a Probation Service scheme when, in fact, there was no such scheme.

North Tyneside Council's advice

Councillor Carole Burdis, North Tyneside Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, said, "Our advice is to never deal with door-to-door sales people.

"This particular case is a well-known scam where the cold caller attempts to sell household products for many times their original value.

"If you are visited, don’t be embarrassed to simply say ‘No’ and ask them to leave."

Northumbria Police enquiry

Enquiries by Northumbria Police established that the door-to-door salesperson was not operating as part of a Probation Service scheme.

Chief Inspector Rob Bosson said, “If someone comes to your door asking you to purchase items, please do not be pressured into buying from them- you have the right to ask them to leave.

"You can also use security measures such as looking through a spy hole or window, or use a door chain, to have a look at the caller before answering the door. If you do not recognise them, speak through the closed and locked door. Never be afraid to ask for identification and never let anyone into your home who you are unsure about.

"We want to reassure the public that we take these types of crimes very seriously and actively investigate any reports.”

Uninvited callers who do not leave can be reported to the police on 101 or by visiting their website, www.northumbria.police.uk, which also has further advice on crime prevention.

Download the No Cold Calling card

For further advice on staying safe at home, call Age UK North Tyneside on 0191 280 8484 or get in touch online.