Two new No Cold Calling Zones are being set up this Thursday, in Bath and Keynsham to protect people, particularly the elderly, from being contacted by companies on the doorstep.
It takes the number of such zones to 12 in Bath and North East Somerset and is a partnership between the police’s Community Safety Team and B&NES Council Trading Standards department.
The two new zones are at Old Vicarage Green in Keynsham and Hantone Hill in Bath. They are the first to operate in private residential roads.
Police community safety staff and Trading Standards officers have put up No Cold Calling Zone signs in the locations and have distributed leaflets and door stickers to residents, explaining how the zones work.
Beth Shire of the Community Safety Team said: “The aim is to send out a clear message that uninvited callers are not welcome. It gives residents the confidence to say “No” which should reduce the chances of people falling victim to distraction burglaries and bogus callers. Both communities have strong Neighbourhood Watch groups and both areas had been subject to these types of crimes in the past.”
Many of the companies that cold call are legitimate, however, we have some standard crime prevention advice for people to follow.
- If someone knocks on your door you do not have to open it. Look through a window or spy hole first and if you do not recognise the caller or are not expecting anyone ask yourself do you really want to open your door.
- If you are being pressurised to have some work done quickly or for what appears to be a ‘bargain’ alarm bells should be ringing!
- Never buy (or sell) goods or services on the doorstep from or to someone you do not know or is not recommended to you.
- Know your rights. If you do decide to allow a salesperson to enter your home following a telesales appointment you have numerous rights. These include the right to ask someone to leave your home at any time. They must do so immediately.
Bath and North East Somerset Council also produce a Trading Standards directory of approved traders, called Buy With Confidence. Copies are available at your local library or by calling Trading Standards on 01225 396753.
