No cold calling zones are now in operation in all sheltered housing across Caerphilly County Borough.
The initiative is meant as a clear signal that doorstep sellers are not welcome and has been developed by The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership scheme, Trading Standards and Gwent Police. The aim is to protect vulnerable residents from bogus callers and conmen.
While the “No Cold Calling Zone” does not make it illegal for salespeople to knock at a resident’s door it does send a clear message they are not welcome.
A small number of sheltered housing complexes were covered by the first zones, but last year it was decided to extend them to cover all 1,500 residents in sheltered housing accommodation.
Cllr Dave Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “I am delighted that this project is complete and that all of the people who live in our sheltered housing accommodation across the county borough can live reassured that we are working with our colleagues at Gwent Police to keep potentially disreputable people out of their community. All residents should live safe in the knowledge that they can answer their door without having to worry about becoming the victim of doorstep crime.”
Inspector Kevin Childs, of Gwent Police, added: “No Cold Calling Zones in the Caerphilly County Borough can help provide a solution to the nuisance suffered by many residents when salespeople call on them unexpectedly. There have, on occasions been a connection between Cold Callers and Rogue Traders – for that reason, when the need arises we have worked with partners and residents to help support applications for No Cold Calling Zones.”