Cold Calling Control Zone notice, Anderson Place, Malpas, Newport

Image: © Jaggery Taken: 8 Jan 2016

The notice is on the lamppost on the left. 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 or not to buy goods etc from the business concerned.

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