Firms in Wales have been given verbal and written warnings after being found to have breached Cold Calling Zones, aimed at protecting elderly and vulnerable residents from doorstep salespeople and distraction burglaries.
More than 150 complaints have been made across Wales over the last three years by residents after salespeople ignored the operation of the zones, according to information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the office of Plaid Cymru’s Equalities Spokesperson Lindsay Whittle.
Torfaen council, which has 41 zones covering 7700 homes, has received most complaints at 39 and they have written to companies spelling out the rules. There have been 20 complaints in Anglesey, 19 in Conwy and 16 in Cardiff.
Monmouthshire council estimates “less than 12” complaints a year against persistent callers. Its 26 zones cover 7,000 homes and this will be increased to more than 8,000 homes by the end of March – 21% of all residences in the county.
Conwy council’s trading standards department said it would consider taking legal action against companies and individuals if necessary.
Some authorities reported no complaints over three years. While Powys said it was considering adding another 700 properties – doubling the number covered by the current eight zones.
Four local authorities in Wales do not operate Cold Calling Zones – they are Merthyr Tydfil, Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd and Ceredigion, which said there was insufficient evidence of “problem areas”. The Vale of Glamorgan council has just one zone in Penarth covering 21 homes while Bridgend council’s only zone covers 43 homes of older residents.
Lindsay Whittle, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East, said: “Cold Calling Zones appear to have been successful in protecting vulnerable and elderly residents from doorstep salespeople, rogue traders and criminals.
“Where a problem has been identified, it is important that local authorities act so reassurance can be provided to residents.
“I would also urge local people who have been bothered by doorstep salespeople or rogue traders trying to persuade people to have new drives laid to let their trading standards department, as well as the police know.”
