21 August 2008A new initiative which aims to stop cold callers making uninvited visits to residents was unveiled in the District this week.
Brasted and Sundridge became the first ever "Cold Calling Control Zones" in the District following the successful launch of the scheme at Brasted Pavillion on Monday (19 May).
The scheme is being introduced by West Kent Neighbourhood Watch in partnership with Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership, West Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards and Kent County Council Community Wardens, and representatives from each agency attended the launch.
The areas were identified through the Brasted PACT Panel, chaired by Roger Rogowski, who spoke at the event.
A Cold Calling Control Zone is an area which seeks to deter people from calling on residents face-to-face, at their doors, without having first made an appointment. It also warns cold callers that they are being watched.
The control zone is highlighted through the use of signs placed on lampposts in the area indicating that doorstep selling is not welcome, and will run in current Neighbourhood Watch areas.
Residents will also be given leaflets and door stickers that explain what is expected and what they can do to reduce the risk from bogus callers or rogue traders.
Cllr Keith Loney, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for community safety, says: "Cold calling zones are a great idea, and I am pleased that we have been able to work with West Kent Neighbourhood Watch to unveil them in Sevenoaks District. Rogue callers are a real menace, and they tend to target older and more vulnerable residents. By setting up these zones, local people are giving a clear message to unwanted callers that they are not welcome.”
Cold calling is not an offence, however it is never wise for people to open their door to anyone they do not know or were not expecting. For further advice on dealing with cold callers talk to Kent County Council Community Wardens or Police Community Support Officers.
Information is also available on the community safety section of Sevenoaks District Council website.
