Llanrwst OAP’s attend police information event

Jul 21 2011 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

DESPITE police reporting that Llanrwst is one of the safest towns in the county, its senior population were invited to a special get together last week to warn them of the dangers of cold callers.

Operation Cinnamon, a meeting organised by local rural police team members and associated partners took place on Friday at Llanrwst community centre.

PC Kate Bithell, PC Mark Howell-Walmsly, Sergeant Dave Nichols and Inspector Neil Thomas and a number of PCSOs were all on hand throughout the event to offer advice on how to avoid falling victim to cold callers.

Ifan Hughes, North Wales Police’s crime prevention manager said: “In the main these people here are living in a very safe area, but bogus cold calling is a problem. But through partnership working, Conwy County now has the highest number of no cold calling zones with 365 currently in operation and we have seen a reduction in callers.

“We are here to tell people, if in doubt, keep them out, and we have a number of door stickers, posters and advice leaflets to give people to use so they don’t fall victim to cold callers.

“The older generation are very trusting and come from the days of leaving their back doors open, but they have to be more careful now, that is why we have come together with partners including Conwy Volunteer Council, Victim Support, the Fire Service, Shelter, Cartrefi Conwy, Conwy Community Transport, Conwy Care and Repair and Mind to give people as much help and support as we can.”

Town Cllr Pat Rowley said: “This event has made people more aware of what help is out there and enabled them to meet their local police team members.”

Cllr Ian Jenkins added: “This is a big step in the right direction.”

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