Cold Calling Control Zone implemented in Bramley
Wednesday 6 September
On 6th September Officers from West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Trading Standards came together to implement a Cold Calling Control Zone in Wellington Gardens, Leeds. The zone is funded by the Bramley & Stanningley Councillors Kevin Ritchie, Tom Hinchcliffe & Caroline Gruen. This zone has been introduced as a result of the residents being targeted by doorstep criminals and rogue traders.
Officers distributed door/window stickers to residents that say ‘NO’ to doorstep traders and signs were erected at the entrances to warn traders that they are entering a zone.
Over the years West Yorkshire Trading Standards has implemented over 300 zones to combat rogue traders and doorstep criminals. Overall feedback from residents is excellent in that the zones significantly reduce the number of cold callers they experience. Once a zone is implemented reputable traders will avoid cold calling in it and as such reduce the potential nuisance of cold callers to householders.
Linda Davis, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Manager said, “These zones are implemented to deter rogue traders and/or doorstep criminals who prey on the elderly and vulnerable. Not only are the zones a tool to say ‘NO’ to cold callers but they also promote community cohesion so I urge residents to look out for their elderly vulnerable neighbours and report suspicious cold callers.”
Michael Cox from West Yorkshire Police said, “A number of criminals do pose as doorstep salespeople and bogus utility company officials and the implementation of these 'Cold Calling Control Zones' helps to raise awareness over the type of tactics often employed by doorstep criminals and also brings this type of criminal activity to the forefront of people’s minds. Working in partnership to inform and advise residents helps to combat this issue in the most effective way.”
On behalf of the Bramley & Stanningley Councillors, Kevin Ritchie said “Safeguarding our communities from criminals is high on our agenda. It’s great to see partnerships such as this are contributing towards protecting residents but householders can do much more themselves by not contracting with unsolicited doorstep traders and searching for reputable traders instead.”
You can report suspicious cold callers to West Yorkshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Helpline 0808 223 1133.
For further information on Cold Calling Control Zones visit https://www.wyjs.org.uk/trading-standards/wyfeat/cold-calling-control-zones/
If you are looking for a reputable trader then visit the Leeds Directory website where you can find a list of vetted traders https://www.leedsdirectory.org/