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Callow Mount says No to Cold Calling!
Sheffield Homes tenants at Callow Mount Sheltered Housing Scheme, Heeley, were given a lesson last week on how to be vigilant when it comes to cold calling from sales people and rogue traders, as part of the Gleadless Valley ‘Week of Action’, aimed at creating a cleaner, safer and greener place to live.
Sheffield Homes, along with the Council’s Trading Standards and South Yorkshire Police, are rolling out the No Cold Calling Zone initiative throughout their 35 sheltered housing schemes.
Sheffield Homes’ Sheltered Housing Team set up an ‘Advice and Information Roadshow’ which was presented to tenants at Callow Mount to help raise awareness of safety and security. Part of the presentation was a demonstration by South Yorkshire Police and Trading Standards called ‘Strangers at the Door’. The aim of the afternoon was to empower people to say ‘No’ to door step callers and protect themselves at their door. Age Concern were also on hand to give advice to residents about their services and the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offered advice on home fire safety.
The elderly are particularly at risk, as rogue traders see them as an easy target. Following a few simple guidelines could save you from becoming a victim of doorstep crime:
- Ask for proof of identity
- Keep doors locked at all times
- Never open the door to someone you are not expecting
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home
- Never set on a workman or buy anything at your door
Jasper South, Sheffield Homes’ Assistant Director of Housing Management said: “ This initiative is something that Sheffield Homes is proud to be involved in. It’s an excellent way to raise awareness of safety issues with our customers. The welfare of our tenants is our highest priority and we feel this scheme will benefit everyone in our Sheltered Housing accommodation.