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Cold
callers are being left out in the cold as more areas become ‘No Cold Calling' zones
in North East Lincolnshire.
Joining
Eastwood Avenue, Grimsby and the village of Habrough in the scheme to help protect homeowners from cold callers
are:
Healing Village
Westminster Drive, Grimsby,
Crow Hill Avenue Cleethorpes
The
scheme, a joint initiative between the Council, Police and HANWAG, aims
to reduce the activities of rogue traders, bogus officials and
distraction burglars.
All these areas have a Neighbourhood Watch Group, which have
participated in canvassing the residents to advise them about the scheme
and to assess public opinion.
North East Lincolnshire Council made their first move to deter cold
callers last year, when thousands of ‘No Cold Callers' stickers were
sent out to residents with their council tax bills. These stickers, to
be displayed on a front door or window, tell cold callers they are not
welcome.
The ‘No Cold Calling Zone' scheme is part of a larger nationwide
initiative, which was part-funded by a £50,000 donation from British
Telecom to the Trading Standards Institute. A zone will be marked by
signs on street lamps and local residents will be informed about how to
deal with cold callers. The council's highways department are also
contributing towards the project, by erecting the signs at no cost.
The scheme is aimed at rogue traders, conmen, and distraction burglars,
but will also deter legitimate companies who employ cold calling and
pressure selling tactics. Cold callers are not prevented from entering a
‘No Cold Calling Zone', but the signs and stickers act as a deterrent by
making it clear that residents in that area are aware of the dangers,
unlikely to cooperate and will be taking note of and reporting any
suspicious persons.
Pilot schemes in other areas around the UK have proved to be very
successful – last year Cambridgeshire reported an 11% decrease in
distraction burglaries after introducing a cold calling zone.
Cllr De Freitas, portfolio holder for community safety and
neighbourhoods, said: “We're all aware of the dangers of cold callers
and heard the horror stories - particularly of elderly people targeted
by rogue traders charging extortionate prices and ending up thousands of
pounds out of pocket. This new scheme will help to protect residents
from cold callers, whether they are carrying out illegal practices,
trading immorally or are just unwanted.”
Kevin Gowing, of HANWAG, added: “Everyone needs to be more aware of
their rights and the law and can take a few sensible precautions to
protect themselves. Remember, you don't have to open your door, you can
ask for ID, you can say “No” and if you're unsure if someone is genuine,
you can call Trading Standards for advice." HANWaG launched in 2004 the
Nominated Neighbour Scheme to assist in dealing with unwanted doorstep
traders and the like,
click here to find out about the nominated neighbour scheme
Pictured below
are residents and Neighbourhood Watch members, Cllrs Thompson, Cragg and
De Freitas, Linda Blackburn NE Lincs Trading Standards and Graham
Reynolds, North East Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Watch Development
Officer for HANWaG. |
