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"No-Cold-Calling" Zones:
"OUT IN THE COLD"
Four areas in Southport and one in Crosby have so far been declared 'no cold
calling zones' with signs erected to deter random sales people from knocking on
doors.
As
part of the scheme, homes will receive door and window stickers, information
packs and signs will be displayed at either end of the street to help reduce
uninvited sales people calling.
The scheme is part funded by the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership
(SSCP) working closely with local HomeWatch Schemes and Sefton Council Trading
Standards.
Trading Standards Manager, Andrew Naisbitt, said:
"Cold callers who turn up and
knock on doors unannounced often use 'hard sell' and pushy tactics to make a
sale. They will often take cash or cheques off vulnerable people and there is
also a link between distraction burglary and doorstep callers.
"By setting up a cold calling free zone with visible road signs highlighting
this, it gives the message that such sales people are just not wanted.
"Through partnership working like this we can make a real difference for local
communities and hopefully more schemes like these will be seen across the
borough."
Southport HomeWatch Coordinator, Margaret Jepson, added:
"An unexpected caller to an
older person's home can unnecessarily raise the fear of crime. By setting up
designated No Cold Calling Zones like these, it will reassure the public that
positive action is being taken and hopefully, prevent this practice from going
on."
For help and advice on all consumer issues call
Consumer Direct
on 08454 04 05 06
If any road in a HomeWatch Scheme in Sefton wishes to be considered, by Trading Standards, for a Cold Calling Zone to be started in their area, please contact Margaret Jepson for details.
Tel: Margaret Jepson on
0151 777 3419
email:
margaret.jepson@merseyside.police.uk
HomeWatch
Mike's COMMENT:
Being in a 'No Cold Calling Zone' will give OAPs & vulnerable people a very
good reason & hence the confidence to say "NO" to any persistent
offenders, so helping to reduce the fear of crime, the instance of distraction
thefts and also the no. of unscrupulous traders whom take advantage.
(basically, HomeWatch groups are just required to have 75% of their members agree to it)
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