Say ‘No’ to cold callers
The fear of rogue traders, high pressure sales people, and distraction burglary is being tackled with Torfaen’s first ‘Cold Calling Control Zone’.
Torfaen Council’s Trading Standards team have teamed up with Gwent Police to declare Llanyrafon an area where doorstep callers are not welcome.
Cwmbran Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Kevin Warren, said: "it is not illegal to cold call, however, by establishing these ‘zones’ through partnership working, it will make clear to rogue traders and bogus callers that they are not welcome in the area and empower local residents to turn away any uninvited callers."
Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: "Following consultation with residents and their overwhelming support, the zone will aim to reduce the fear of doorstep crime and give residents the confidence to say ‘no’ to individuals calling on them without a prearranged appointment."
Bona fide businesses may prefer to contact residents via a catalogue through their letterbox. This avoids any feelings of confrontation on the doorstep, and leaves the decision up to the individual if they would like more information or want to buy from that business.
Residents are encouraged to report any uninvited doorstep callers to Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06.
Anyone who feels threatened by a doorstep caller should immediately call 999.