Anglesey Trading Standards and North Wales Police will today (Wednesday, 22nd February) launch a new joint initiative aimed at protecting residents from unscrupulous cold callers.
Benllech has officially been designated as a “no go zone for cold callers” as part of a new pilot scheme to tackle doorstep crime and reduce the fear of crime
New “No Cold Calling Zone” signs have already been fixed to lamp posts in the village. These tell people that they’re entering an area where residents do not buy goods and services from uninvited cold callers. All residents are being asked to support the scheme by displaying a sticker on their front door or window
Welsh Assembly Government funding, administered through the Ynys Môn Community Safety Partnership, and a contribution from the Police and Community Trust (PACT) has made the pilot scheme possible.
A recent consultation with residents showed that 70% of those questioned were concerned about doorstep crime and that 17% had already had a bad experience with doorstep sellers. The survey shows that 96% of respondents supported the introduction of a No Cold Calling Zone.
Anglesey’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, Emma Jones, explained: “Cold callers come to your door uninvited and will often try to trick the householder into letting them in so they can steal or persuade them to hand over money. They often pose as officials, such as gas or water employees, try to sell you something or seek payment for doing odd job such as gardening, driveway surfacing or roof maintenance.
“Those committing doorstep crime cause a great deal of distress to vulnerable residents. They are unscrupulous people who tarnish the reputation of the home improvements sector and take the opportunity to quote for work away from genuine reliable local traders.”
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Andy McGregor, stressed: “Everyone, but in particular older people, is at risk from bogus callers and doorstep rogue traders. These are professional and plausible thieves who are able to con their way into the homes of those they consider easy targets. The impact can be devastating not only for the victim but for the whole community.”
Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry OBE, added: “By introducing this No Cold Calling Zone pilot scheme, we aim to empower residents and put them in control. Working together with North Wales Police we can do something about these criminals and protect our communities.”
It is not illegal for traders to cold call within the new zone, however, traders ignoring a resident’s specific request could be committing an offence. Hundreds of zones are now operating successfully across the UK with reports of significant crime reduction and a greater feeling of security amongst residents. The project is not intended to stop regular rounds people or catalogue companies who have pre-existing contracts with residents.