No Cold Caller Zones

Is an initiative that Trading Standards have been implementing, in association with Lancashire Constabulary to reduce the number of doorstep crimes being committed within the County. Neighbourhood Watch also wholeheartedly support the creation of these Zones as a way of protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

What is Doorstep Crime

Doorstep crime is a term used to cover a range of crimes and types of nuisance behaviour, including bogus calling, rogue trading, pressure sales techniques and distraction burglary. Whilst all different, these crimes are brought together by one common factor – the victim. Doorstep crime is particularly cruel because offenders often purposefully target society’s most vulnerable people. One way that individuals can be protected is by creating No Cold Caller Zones – where all the residents become members of the zone and do not buy, or use any services which are being sold from door to door. The aims are to deter bogus callers (distraction burglars and rogue traders) from approaching people living in the zones and give residents the confidence to say “No” to cold callers who seek business at their doorstep. Unscrupulous cold callers are known to target the elderly and vulnerable in our community. These hardened criminals not only take people’s life savings, they can shatter their confidence and steal their independence. As it is not always possible for victims to overcome such devastating effects, the prevention of doorstep crime through implementing measures like No Cold Calling Zones is therefore of paramount importance. Once they have gained access to the property these bogus traders will commit one or more of three following three Criminal Offences

1. "Distraction Burglary" - where one "trader" will keep the occupant talking, while another often unnoticed accomplice scours the house for valuables and money
2. Obtaining Property by Deception – The "trader" will deceive the victim into handing over property or money in return for the provision of property or services which the "trader" never intended to provide.
3. Improperly Conducted Property Repairs or Gardening Maintenance- The trader will convince the occupant of the house that emergency repairs are needed, usually for something that is difficult to check, e.g. Roof slates need replacing or the chimney stack needs re-pointing, and they impress upon the occupant that it needs to be done quickly to prevent further damage to the property. These jobs often do not need doing, but the 'trader' charges the occupant extortionate amounts of money to carry the work out. In most cases the job is carried out to a poor standard or not at all. This unfortunately is not yet controlled by any specific legislation but there are pieces of legislation enforced by Trading Standards that can help to tackle it.

How are the Zones set up?

Potential zones are pinpointed using police and trading standards intelligence and then established once residents have been consulted and are known to be in support. Requested zones which are not backed by intelligence will also be considered if set criteria can be satisfied. Residents living in proposed zones are visited and given a special No Cold Calling Zone door sticker telling cold callers that they are not welcome. Lamp post signs are then erected to identify the zones and residents are advised to report any future suspicious cold calling activity. Significantly, the campaign is welcomed by many legitimate companies who feel their business is suffering due to the poor workmanship, overcharging and other sharp practices being employed by disreputable and unqualified people. Currently it is NOT illegal to cold call – not even in designated No Cold Calling Zones. Utilities staff (electric, water and gas), councilors and MPs canvassing for election purposes, charity collectors, market researchers and religious groups are some of the legitimate callers who may still knock on your door without an appointment.

Our advice to all residents remains the same:

• Never keep large sums of money in the home
• Lock the back door before answering the front door. Bogus callers often work in pairs; while one distracts the homeowner at the front door; their accomplice goes around the back.
• Always put your chain on before opening the door.
• Check for I.D. If you are not expecting anyone then check with the parent company (via a number in the telephone directory – not one that they have given you) that the person is who they say they are.
• If in doubt, keep them out, and it is not a pre-arranged visit make them arrange a suitable appointment for another visit when you will have someone else at home with you.