Local Police are backing an initiative to deter cold callers from calling at houses where they aren't wanted!
PSNI District Commander, Superintendent Paul Reid said: “We recognise that not all cold callers are rogue traders or criminals however we want every householder, particularly the more vulnerable, to have the confidence to refuse services they do not require or want.”
The No Cold Calling initiative aims to empower householders to feel safe in their own home through the display of No Cold Calling stickers which clearly instruct cold callers not to call at that property.
Packs with No Cold Calling stickers and leaflets, developed in association with Trading Standards, are available for homes. The No Cold Calling window stickers can be placed on doors and windows to make cold callers aware that they are not welcome at that address. The sticker also has a contact number to report any callers who ignore the warning to police and Trading Standards.”
Police are also encouraging elderly and vulnerable residents to take advantage of the Nominated Neighbour scheme.
This is an initiative where a householder can direct an unrecognised caller to a nominated neighbour if they are home alone or uncomfortable with the caller. The resident will display a card instructing the caller to contact their nominated neighbour, who will then try and check the caller’s identity.
Superintendent Reid continued: “These schemes aim to help people feel more secure in their own homes. They offer an extra layer of protection that will empower residents and discourage rogue trading and cold calling.
“We are also here to keep you safe. If you notice unknown vehicles in your community or become aware of cold callers, please phone us straight away so that we can prevent, detect and deter any criminal activity.”
If you are interested in making your home a no cold calling zone or would like more information on the nominated neighbour scheme, please contact police on 101.
Police in Newry are appealing for information following burglaries in Forest Hills, Newry earlier this month.
Two houses were entered and searched on Tuesday, 3 May. It's thought this occurred around 10am and involved a white Volkswagen Jetta.
Police would like to hear from anyone who noticed any activity around the area during this time.
They can be contacted in Ardmore on 101, quoting ref: 567 030516. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police in Newry are appealing for information following two burglaries in Clanrye Avenue last week.
Sometime between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, 18 May a house and a shed were entered. Cash, a Playstation 4 and jewellery, included a Michael Kors male watch and Chanel male sunglasses were taken from the house. A blue Draper Jigsaw and green Hitachi Skill saw were taken from the shed.
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information in relation to these incidents. They can be contacted in Ardmore on 101, quoting ref: 911 180516.
If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for information following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in Bessbrook between the evening of Tuesday 31 May and the morning of Wednesday 1 June.
A number of bins were set on fire in the O’Donoghue Park, Fountain Street and Mount Charles South areas. A tent that was in the front garden of a house in the Orior Park area was also set alight while number plates were ripped off a car and soil was thrown over another vehicle in the Mount Charles South area.
Sergeant Alistair Kenmuir said: “Firstly, this is dangerous behaviour. Fire can spread easily in an urban area and a number of oil tanks were nearby. This could result in someone being seriously injured. I urge parents and guardians to make sure they know where their children are, what they are doing, to talk to them about the danger of getting caught up in this type of activity and the possible outcomes they could face if they are found committing any offence.
“Young people should know the consequences of their actions when they get involved in this type of behaviour. What might seem like fooling about can often result in a criminal record which can affect travel, education and employment opportunities in the future.
“I am also very aware of the effects that this sort of behaviour has on local residents, it can really blight everyday life. I would ask anyone who knows anything about these incidents, or who can provide any information in relation to anti-social behaviour in their area, to contact us at Newtownhamilton Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. With the right information coming through to us, we can all work together to eradicate these kinds of senseless acts.”
Councillor Kate Loughran has also condemned the incident Commenting on the damage done, Mrs Loughran said "I totally condemn the actions of those responsible for these acts of arson which serve no purpose other than, the destruction of property, endangering people, and engaging the emergency services.
"The damage done through these actions will have to be paid for and inevitably the cost will fall on the rate payers.
" I would ask anyone who has any information which may be of assistance to the police in bringing those responsible to book to contact the PSNI through the usual channels.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery of commercial premises in the Corn Market area of Newry on Friday 3 June.
Shortly before 3pm an unknown male, carrying a suspected firearm, entered the premises and demanded staff hand over money. The man made off with a sum of cash from the till.
He is described as being aged in his late 20’s or early 30’s, approximately 5’7” or 5’8” tall, of athletic build, with dark thin well groomed eyebrows. He was wearing a ‘very distinctive’ grey hooded top with the word ‘Duffer’ on the front, black trousers and navy and white trainers. He was carrying a black coloured fold away carrier bag.
Detectives from PSNI Reactive and Organised Crime are keen for the community to focus on the distinctive ‘Duffer’ grey hooded top and any person who fits the description and owns or has access to such a distinctive top. Detectives appeal for anyone who witnesses the incident or anyone with information that can assist the investigation to contact Detectives in Newry on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detectives in Newry are appealing for information following a burglary that occurred in the Forkhill Road last weekend.
Sometime between 3pm on Saturday 28 May and 1pm on Friday 3 June entry was gained to a property.
The house was ransacked and jewellery was stolen. Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has information that may assist their investigation.
They can be contacted on 101, quoting reference number 614 of 03/06/16. Or if you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
An Urn containing ashes has been stolen from a grave in Rathfriland. It's thought the urn was stolen between Thursday 16 and Friday 17 June from a grave in the Drumlough Road area of Rathfriland.
If anyone who has any information about this incident please contact Police at Newry on the non-emergency number 101.
To provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The PSNI are looking for information following the report of a burglary at commercial premises in the Dublin Road area of Newry last Friday, 24 June.
The premises were entered at approximately 4.00am and a quantity of cigarettes and cash stolen.
If you noticed any suspicious activity in the area please contact Police at Newry on the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for information following two reports of damage being caused to the interior of a vacant property in Lisa Road, Newry when around 20 people were in the house.
A considerable amount of damage was caused to the interior of the house on both, Wednesday 22 June and Friday 24 June.
It's thought that a crowd of around 20 unauthorised people were in the house.
Anyone who has any information about these incidents please contact Police at Newry on the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.