The majority of people who knock on your door ARE likely to be genuine. However, it is important to know that some are rogue traders, doorstep criminals and uninvited sales people and may turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into your home.
So-called ‘doorstep crime’ often results from an initial cold call. Unscrupulous traders will prey on the elderly and vulnerable members of society, carry out unnecessary, substandard and sometimes even dangerous work and then use strong arm tactics to persuade consumers to part with large sums of money for poor workmanship. In addition, burglars may use cold calling as a pretext to engage in distraction burglary or sneak in thefts.
Whilst cold calling is not currently illegal, it is a practice that the vast majority of people do not want. Some people may find it intimidating, frightening and intrusive not to mention irritating and frustrating at times.
In response to increasing complaints about cold callers and doorstep crime, and as part of our doorstep crime initiative, West Yorkshire Trading Standards has implemented in excess of 40 successful Cold Calling Control Zones throughout the county and continue to play an integral part in the development of potential zones.
They have been established with the help and support of the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Housing Associations, local Councillors and most importantly, local residents.
What is a Cold Calling Control Zone?
Cold Calling Control Zones are areas which are considered to be vulnerable to doorstep crime and where residents have, collectively, stated that they do not want cold callers.
The main aim of the zones is to prevent incidents of doorstep crime, raise awareness of the activities of rogue traders who target vulnerable people, and give residents the confidence to say NO to uninvited callers as a community. Therefore, reducing levels and fear of crime in the allocated areas.
Zones are clearly identified by signs on lamp posts at the main entrance and exit points, informing traders that they are entering an area where residents do not buy goods and services at the door. Each household will also receive an information booklet offering advice, as well as a door sticker to deter unwanted callers.
Cold Calling Control Zones are a low maintenance initiative and, once established, are easily sustained. As part of the scheme, residents are also given the opportunity to attend awareness talks and workshops which will provide information on vital issues such as how to deal with doorstep salesman, alternative ways to compare energy companies and who to contact in an emergency.
Residents will also be able to participate in regular evaluation of the project, allowing them to contribute to the improvement and expansion of future zones
The zones have been hailed a huge success nationally and have been show to reduce overall crime in the areas where they now exist.
The purpose of the scheme is to empower residents, and to encourage them to work as an entire community against doorstep sellers and therefore increase the reporting of related crimes and incidents.
There are several important points to note regarding the establishment of a zone:
• In order to set up a zone, a minimal amount of funding is required, and will vary depending on the size of the zone.
• There also needs to be evidence, within the area, to suggest that cold calling is a problem.
• Partnership working is vital to ensure zones are created and managed efficiently and effectively
• We also recommend that there is a designated person in place who is willing to be the point of contact to ensure sustainability
To figure out whether YOU can set up a zone in YOUR area, follow this link to our simple step by step guide
Avoid being a victim by following these ‘Stay Safe’ Tips
• Be aware of pressure selling tactics such as claims of special offers or offers that are only on for one day and don’t let them make you think that you are the odd one out on the street who hasn’t bought from them
• If someone claims they are part of a Trade Association or an approved body, ensure they have evidence and don’t be scared to check up on them.
• If you have arranged an appointment and for someone to come and see you, use the password scheme when booking with the organisation. If the person calling on you doesn’t know the agreed password, don’t let them in.
• Have a spy hole or peephole on your door so you can see who is calling
• Use a door chain before you are certain if who you are letting in
• Always ask for id and confirm it with the organisation they claim to be with by getting the number from your local directory or the internet (see list of useful numbers below). Don’t rely on the number the salesperson has given you
• Always have your doors locked. Distraction burglaries occur when one person has you engaged at the front door and an accomplice enters through the back door
•Calling Control Zones have recently featured on Money Saving Expert.com. Follow this link to see Martin Lewis's tips on beating cold callers and junk mail
Download the OFT's top tips to deal with doorstep callers
Download the OFT's advice about your rights when buying on the doorstep
•For details of reputable traders in your area, follow these links:
•Leeds - Community Action & Support Against Crime
•Leeds Directory
•Calderdale
•Kirklees
• Finally, don’t be scared to say NO
How do we fund a Cold Calling Control Zone?
Cold Calling Control Zones can be funded from a range of sources. Some examples of recent funding opportunities have been through Local Area Committees, The Proceeds of Crime Act (through the Police), Community Safety Partnerships and Housing Associations.
Do we need a Cold Calling Control Zone?
For a Cold Calling Control Zone to be considered, there needs to be substantial evidence to prove that there is an issue with doorstep crime, rogue traders or pushy sales people within the area.
The best way to ensure this information is recorded is to call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 040506 or click here and use the online form. Alternatively, speak with your local police team if you have concerns that this is happening.
If such activity is causing residents to feel unsafe and intimidated in their homes, or just frustrated at the inconvenience callers are causing, then a zone may be the answer.
What is the average size of a zone?
Each zone is individual and can range from 50 houses to 5000 houses, depending on the extremity of the problem, funding available and also partners involved.
Is Cold Calling Illegal?
Cold calling is not illegal, however, anyone who does cold call and offers to sell you goods or services that cost more than £35 is required to provide you with a written notice giving you 7 days in which to cancel. If this notice is not provided the contract for the goods or services will not be enforceable meaning you will not have to pay even if goods have been provided or work has been carried out. Anyone who fails to give this notice will also be committing a criminal offence, which Trading Standards will investigate.
If you are in a zone and continue to get persistent callers, please use this template letter to send to traders to highlight the relevant regulations.
As a business, how can we find out where the Cold Calling Control Zones are in West Yorkshire?
Our website contains a list of all the zones in West Yorkshire, so you can find out where you should be avoiding. Please visit the website regularly to check any new zones that may have been added.
National Doorstep Cold Calling Protocol for Traders and Businesses
Although criminals may use cold calling as a way of identifying potential victims, cold calling is not of itself a criminal offence. Trading Standards have therefore drawn up a protocol whereby legitimate organisations may call on people without an appointment.
Where possible representatives will have previously notified appointments. On the occasions where this is not possible the following procedure will be observed:
• The representative will physically hand their identification card to the householder and declare their name and organisation.
• They will request that the householder compares their face with the photograph on the card and explain that they will not enter until the householder does so.
• The representative will carry a larger identification card for examination by persons with sight difficulties. This card will bear print of at least size/font 14 and enlarged photograph.
• The representative will explain the purpose of his/her visit.
• The representative will explain that the householder can check their identification by telephoning their organisation and that they can arrange for attendance of a third party e.g. neighbour if they wish.
• The representative will make it clear that they will not enter the house unless the householder is happy for them to do so.
• The representative will always be happy to return at a later pre-arranged date/time if the householder requests. The organisation will provide a landline telephone number, preferably free phone, to facilitate employee bona-fide checks. This telephone number must be a direct line to a person/people and not utilise automated call management systems. Where possible this number should also be listed in the public telephone directory and other company advertising material
| ORGANISATION | PHONE NUMBER | WEBSITE |
| Age UK | 0800 009 966 | http://www.ageuk.org.uk |
| Association of Master Upholsterers | 0149 445 2965 | http://www.upholsterers.co.uk |
| Charities Commission | 0845 300 0218 | http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk |
| Consumer Council for Water | 0121 345 1000 | http://www.ccwater.org.uk |
| Corgi / Gas Safe Register | 0800 408 5500 | http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk |
| Energy Supply Ombudsman | 0330 440 1624 | http://www.ombudsman-services.org |
| Federation of Master Builders | 0207 242 7583 | http://www.fmb.org.uk |
| Fensa | 020 7645 3700 | http://www.fensa.co.uk |
| Glass and Glazing Federation | 0207 939 9101 | http://www.ggf.org.uk |
| NICEIC | 0870 013 0382 | http://niceic.com/ |
| Trading Standards | 0845 404 0506 | http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e.htm |
| Police Non Emergency Number | 101 | http://www.police.uk/101 |
| Utility Companies | PHONE NUMBER | WEBSITE |
| G4S Utility Services (formerly AccuRead) | 0808 770 7000 UK Head Office | http://www.g4s.uk.com/EN-GB/ |
| British Gas | 0800 048 0202 | http://www.britishgas.co.uk |
| NPower | 0845 606 0646 | http://www.npower.com |
| E.ON | 0800 051 5855 | http://www.eon-uk.com |
| Scottish Power | 0800 408 1644 | http://www.scottishpower.co.uk |
| EDF Energy | 0845 300 1291 | http://www.edfenergy.com |
| Yorkshire Water- Bogus caller checks on identity cards | 0800 138 7878 | http://www.yorkshirewater.com |
| Council Switchboards | PHONE NUMBER |
| Leeds | 0113 2224444 |
| Bradford | 01274 432111 |
| Wakefield | 08458 506506 |
| Kirklees | 01484 221000 |
| Calderdale | 0845 2456000 |
| Preference Services | PHONE NUMBER |
| 0845 703 4599 | |
| Telephone | 0845 070 0707 |
| Fax | 0845 070 0702 |
For a list of areas covered click on the links below
If you live in an area covered by a zone and are aware of cold calling taking place, or would like further information on setting up a zone in your area, please contact 08454 04 05 06
Cold Calling Control Zones
These Cold Calling Zones are viewable as a Google Map here
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How many times do you receive a telephone call, open your post or turn on your computer to find you have unexpectedly won a prize in a prize draw or lottery? receive a knock at the door from an unwanted salesman? or need advise on money matters, switching utilities and getting the best deals?
A community focused consumer protection campaign funded by Bradford South Area Committee is being delivered by West Yorkshire Trading Standards in the Royds area of Bradford.
This innovative project launched in June and is aimed at raising awareness and empowering the ward's older adult residents with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves against scammers and fraudsters, rogue traders, doorstep criminals and bogus callers.
It will provide opportunities for individuals and groups to actively participate in education, training and community development and will help them to develop skills, knowledge and experience to actively protect themselves in their home and the community.
To build community capacity, the programme will also include delivering training sessions to PCSOs, Neighbourhood Wardens, and community workers on doorstep crime activities, scams and frauds, providing longer term support within the community for vulnerable residents.
The Trading Standards Rapid Response team will also support the programme, providing immediate support where vulnerable residents are involved with rogue/itinerant traders in their home. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken against those tradespeople found to be operating illegally.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards is also looking for community champions to take part in this project. It is aimed at anybody with an interest in protecting their neighbourhood and becoming an active neighbour. If you are already doing this we would like you to come along to some of our workshops and share your enthusiasm. Volunteers will be trained as 'community champions' that will be the eyes and ears of the community alerting Trading Standards to any localised issues.
For more information about the project please contact Suzanne Kitchen on 0113 393 9817 or e-mail education@wyjs.org.uk
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Letters for householders to send to traders
Request Not To Telephone Me Again
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To make a consumer complaint contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or click here and use the online form.
