Kennard Crescent Cold Calling Control Zone, Blaenavon

Image: © Jaggery Taken: 19 Sep 2015

The Control Zone notice is on the lamppost on the left. This is one of many such zones in Torfaen. The Torfaen County Borough Council website states that in an effort to increase its effectiveness in combating doorstep crime, Torfaen Trading Standards have introduced Cold Calling Control Zones. What is a Cold Calling Control Zone? Doorstep crime includes all aspects of consumer detriment and crime arising from doorstep callers. This includes rogue workmen, high pressure sales people, bogus officials and distraction burglary, and it is well established that rogue traders and distraction burglary are often interrelated. In 2002 a national survey conducted by the Trading Standards Institute reported that 96% of people did not want doorstep cold callers and nobody actually welcomed them. 62% of those questioned reported receiving a cold caller in the previous three months. It is not illegal to make an initial cold call, and a Cold Calling Control Zone has no legal status. However, new legislation has created offences for repeat callers and by working in partnership, such Zones give residents the confidence to say NO to individuals calling on them without a prearranged appointment, and gives the clear message that rogue traders and bogus callers are not welcome in the area. Many bona fide businesses will make life easier for residents by simply popping a catalogue through the door. This avoids any feelings of confrontation on the doorstep and leaves the decision up to the individual as to whether to buy goods etc from the business concerned. How does a Cold Calling Control Zone operate? The Cold Calling Control Zone is very much a partnership initiative between Torfaen County Borough Council, Gwent Police and most importantly local residents themselves. The points of entry into the area will be designated by the placing of lamppost signs, and residents can reinforce the message by placing a sticker in a window close to the front door.

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