People living in Camellia Drive, Heol Rhosyn, Y Rhedyn, Y Grug, Saffrwm, Eirlys and Miaren have worked in partnership with Swansea Trading Standards Department and South Wales Police to establish a No Cold Caller Zone.
The No Cold Caller Zone is a first for the Morriston area.
It prevents residents being harassed by unwanted doorstep callers and protects them from criminals impersonating caller’s intent on tricking their way into their homes to steal money and property.
Signs are being placed at the entrance to the estate as well as on lampposts and on the doors and windows of homes to advise callers that they do not accept cold calling.
Crime Reduction Advisor Kevin Evans said: “This is about local residents saying no to uninvited sales people or to warn rogue traders and cold callers that they are being watched. Local PCSO’s Gareth Jenkins and Sarah Bowdler have called with all residents in the Neighbourhood and have had 100% support from residents.”
Police Community Support Officer Gareth Jenkins added: “Local people are totally behind this initiative which is why we have set up such a scheme in the area to make it a safer place to live.”
Local Policing Inspector Tony Meyrick of Morriston Police Station added: “Uninvited and unwanted cold callers cause unnecessary distress for residents. We know that older, vulnerable residents in particular are targeted through this type of activity.
“These zones have made a difference in other parts of the country and offer residents protection and reassure them that their community is a safe place to live in.
“Distraction burglaries where the victim has been conned in their own home are very distressing and we take them very seriously.
“This scheme will make it harder for thieves to target what they think are easy pickings by giving residents the confidence to challenge and report unwanted visitors.”
Chris Williams, Trading Standards Officer for Swansea Council said: “This scheme should help to reduce the volume of callers, while also raising awareness among residents and informing them of who to contact in the event that they do receive cold callers or if they regrettably fall victim to rogue traders. This is good example of what can be achieved via a multi agency partnership approach.”
