A pioneering initiative in Sutton to tackle cold callers is being launched.
The ‘Cold Call Control Zone’ will be created in Belmont in November, with the aim of stamping out rogue trading and doorstep crime.
Signs will be erected in the area warning traders that they are entering the control zone. Residents will also be issued with stickers for their doors or windows which caution salespeople not to call at their address. Information on how residents can protect themselves from doorstep crime will also be distributed. Please click here| for an example
Cllr Simon Wales, Executive Member for Communities, Transport and Voluntary Sector on Sutton Council, said: “The Cold Call Control Zone has the dual purpose of acting as a deterrent and raising awareness among residents of the dangers of cold callers.
“We decided to create this initiative in direct response to residents in Belmont telling us of the problems they have had with these rogue tradesmen. If it is successful, we could introduce it to other areas in the borough where similar problems are reported.”
Cold callers, visit houses unannounced offering to sell goods or services. While some may be legitimate tradesmen, often they are rogue traders running a scam or criminals simply looking to gain access to the house.
The trial area will incorporate York Road, Dorset Road, Avenue Road, Holland Avenue and Sackville Road.
If you would like more information about how to handle cold callers or would like to report rogue trading happening in your area please call Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. If a crime is being committed then contact the police on 999.|. If a crime is being committed then contact the police on 999.
If you need work completed on your house please use the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme which has a list of reputable traders checked by Trading Standards Officers. A copy of the scheme and the sticker can be obtained from the Civic Offices, libraries, CAB and Age UK or by calling 020 8770 5070 or on the website www.sutton.gov.uk/safersuttontrader|
Posted on Monday 1st November 2010