Twelve new Cold Calling Control Zones have been set up in York to help reduce doorstep crime.
These zones are designed to protect residents from bogus traders who cold call homes, offering to carry out unwanted or unnecessary work at grossly inflated prices often using high pressure selling techniques in order to convince residents, often elderly or vulnerable, to pay for their unasked-for services.
Council Trading Standards Officers have launched twelve new zones, in which residents agree not to deal with cold callers and to report any breaches to the police.
There are currently 216 zones across the city, which have been implemented at the request of residents. These latest zones mean that 8,500 households across the city are now better protected.
The new zones are located in Copmanthorpe, Huntington and New Earswick and include:
- Tadcaster Road
- Temple Lane
- Manor Heath
- Brandsby Grove
- North Moor Gardens
- Pennine Close
- Brockfield Park Drive
- Orchards Garden
- Heather Croft
- Beech Glade
- Kestrel Wood Way
- Geldof Road
Cllr Tony Richardson, Conservative Group Deputy Leader said : “ CYC Trading Standards Officers regularly respond to complaints from residents about cold calling salespeople attempting to sell goods and services residents don’t want and haven’t asked for, and unfortunately we often hear that residents have felt pressurised and sometimes intimidated when these people turn up on their doorstep.
“We know that crimes of this nature are under-reported, and so we urge anyone with concerns or information to get in touch by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 040506.”