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Press Releases


New no cold calling zone - 14/06/2012
A new zone designed to reduce the number of rogue traders, bogus workmen, high pressure sales people and distraction burglaries, will be launched on Marfleet Lane in Hull next week.

Introduced as part of the city's strategy to tackle doorstep crime, there are currently more than 20 No Cold Calling zones in Hull with plans in the pipeline for more.

Each zone is clearly identified. Door stickers are given to each resident to place in their window and signs are erected at the entrances to the zone to advise cold callers they are entering a zone and not to call. Traders who ignore the signs and continue to call can face prosecution.

Councillor John Hewitt, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said:
"It is a well established fact that distraction burglaries and rogue doorstep trading are interlinked - all too often, the seemingly innocent doorstep seller is actually checking things out for a re-visit to carry out a burglary or distraction burglary.

"Whilst this type of criminal behaviour can impact on anybody, research shows that older people and those living alone are particularly at risk. And, unfortunately incidents involving older people losing thousands of pounds are now not unusual to hear or read about.

"The zones have been established in an attempt to give control of the doorstep back to the householders and give them the confidence to say no to uninvited callers. They send out a clear message that residents do not wish to be cold called and will not answer the door to uninvited callers."

Chris Wilson, City Trading Standards Manager, added:
"The number of serious doorstep crime incidents reported to both the police and trading standards services has grown significantly over the past few years. Hundreds of zones are now operating successfully across the UK with reports of significant crime reduction and a greater feeling of security amongst residents.

"The zones are set up at the request of residents where a need is identified, especially where vulnerable people live. All residents are then balloted before the zones are established.

"It's important that anyone who has any concerns about a doorstep seller gets in touch with us. Their call could help us to protect others from these rogue traders".

Residents wishing to set up a zone or to report suspected rogue traders can do so by calling 08454 040 506 or email tradingstandardsadvicecentre@hullcc.gov.uk.

Trading Standards advice for residents

Genuine and official visitors, such as those from Hull City Council and utility companies, will have means of identification that you can check.

If a stranger knocks on your door, Hull City Council's Trading Standards team advises:

  • Always ask to see their identification card. If you are unsure, suggest that the caller comes back later when you have had chance to telephone and check that they are who they claim to be.
  • Don't agree to on-the-spot house repairs, or sign anything immediately.
  • Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe.
  • Don't feel pressurised into buying costly home repairs or goods and services you may not need.
  • Take time to talk to someone you trust before making a decision.

    A national Trading Standards Institute survey in 2002 found that of 2,000 people surveyed across the country 96 per cent simply did not want doorstep cold-callers.



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