East Rhyl is the latest area in Denbighshire to be designated a No Cold Calling Zone.
Denbighshire Trading Standards, North Wales Police, Neighbourhood Watch and the Safer Denbighshire Partnership have worked together to implement the zone which aims to raise home owners’ awareness of the problem doorstep selling can bring and to provide them with reassurance to deal with cold callers.
No Cold Calling Zone’ signs have been erected in the area, which was affected by flooding in November last year, and residents have been provided with door stickers and an information pack to help them to handle unwanted visitors
Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Public Protection, said: “No Cold Calling Zones are a major benefit to the local community, not only for the safety of residents but for local businesses who are being disadvantaged by unscrupulous tradesmen.
“The zone gives an opportunity for the community to collectively say ‘No’ to the practice of cold calling and aims to reduce the fear and threat felt by some people when there is an unknown caller at the door.”
Ifan Hughes, Divisional Crime Reduction Officer for North Wales Police added: “Doorstep callers are often linked to distraction burglary and creating No Cold Calling Zones send a clear message to individuals who might be in the area that they are not welcome. If in doubt, keep them out” is the simple message to remember and No Cold calling Zones help residents give out that message.
“North Wales Police will continue to work closely in partnership with Denbighshire County Council to address this type of criminal behaviour which is simply unacceptable.
Pam Gardner, Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, said: “No cold calling zones are a good way of discouraging traders from operating in certain areas as any trader cold calling in No cold calling area could be committing an offence. Anybody wanting more information about cold calling zones should contact their local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator on 01745 539208 or via www.ourwatch.org.uk
Anyone concerned about anybody in the neighbourhood ‘knocking’ on the door offering to carry out home maintenance work, should make a note of vehicle make, model, colour and registration number and any descriptions of the individuals, and contact either the police on 101 or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Anyone feeling threatened or intimidated by any doorstep seller you should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999. North Wales Police will continue to work closely in partnership with Denbighshire County Council to address this type of criminal behaviour which is simply unacceptable.
