BOURNE's first no cold calling zone has been launched.
The zone is in Westwood Drive and covers about 25 homes in the middle of the street.
The purpose of these zones is to discourage cold callers from certain residential areas. Residents participating in the scheme have displayed a sticker on their d
oor and there are signs visible in the street to make people aware of the zone.
Police community support officer Graeme Parrott, of Bourne and Billingborough Neighbourhood policing team, has implemented the scheme.
He said: “These zones are similar to Neighbourhood Watch areas – because they both have co-ordinators.
“The cold calling zone is run in conjunction with Trading Standards, Police and Neighbourhood Watch.”
Each household in the zone has received an information pack about cold callers.
PCSO Parrott said although cold calling is not illegal, people need to be aware of the implications.
He said: “It’s important for residents to have these packs because it is a method of training the public to be aware of doorstep crime and rogue traders as well as knowing how to deal with them.
“When people do cold call, they have been known to intimidate residents by preventing a door from being shut or making false promises.
“The rogue traders tend to stay away when they know it is a cold calling zone and it is usually just the genuine ones who call at houses.”
There were no objections against the implementation of the zone, and co-ordinator for the area in Westwood Drive, Janet Sharp, 65, is urging more people to get involved.
She said: “This is a good idea because cold callers can be very frightening – especially to elderly people who live on their own when they act aggressively.”
To find out more about cold calling zones contact officer Parrott on 07939312871.
