No Cold Calling Zones
What are they?
No Cold Calling Zones are a new initiative, led by Hampshire County Council, to help combat the increasing problem of doorstep crime. Part funded by Hampshire Constabulary, the project is also supported by District, Borough, Town and Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Watch, to make residents feel safer in their own homes. The aims are to deter bogus callers (distraction burglars and rogue traders) from approaching people living in the zones and give residents the confidence to say “No” to cold callers who seek business at their doorstep.
Unscrupulous cold callers are known to target the elderly and vulnerable in our community. These hardened criminals not only take people’s life savings, they can shatter their confidence and steal their independence. As it is not always possible for victims to overcome such devastating effects, the prevention of doorstep crime through implementing measures like No Cold Calling Zones is therefore of paramount importance.
How are they set up?
Potential zones are pinpointed using police and trading standards intelligence and then established once residents have been consulted and are known to be in support. Requested zones which are not backed by intelligence will also be considered if set criteria can be satisfied. Residents living in proposed zones are visited and given a special No Cold Calling Zone pack containing general consumer and safety advice. Also included is a Buy With Confidence directory of approved traders and a door sticker telling cold callers they are not welcome. Signs are then erected to identify the zones and residents are advised to report any future suspicious cold calling activity.
It works! No Cold Calling Zones have proved to be a success across the county. Since the introduction of a zone in their area:
83% of residents felt safer living within a No Cold Calling Zone
74% of residents felt more confident when dealing with cold callers
Significantly, the campaign is welcomed by many legitimate companies who feel their business is suffering due to the poor workmanship, overcharging and other sharp practices being employed by disreputable and unqualified people. We are working with businesses, offering legal advice and encouraging best practice.
Currently it is NOT illegal to cold call – not even in designated No Cold Calling Zones. Utilities staff (electric, water and gas), councillors and MPs canvassing for election purposes, charity collectors, market researchers and religious groups are some of the legitimate callers who may still knock on your door without an appointment.
Our advice to all residents remains the same:
Never keep large sums of money in the home
Lock, Stop, Chain and Check
If in doubt, call us on 0845 045 45 45
No Cold Calling Zones
We have No Cold Calling Zones throughout Hampshire (excluding Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight). To see where they are, click on the relevant district using the map below:
Our Partners
No Cold Calling Zones
For further information please contact:
No Cold Calling Zones
Hampshire County Council
Trading Standards Service
Montgomery House
Monarch Way
Winchester SO22 5PW
Telephone: 01962 833620
Email: nccz@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8ZB
This page was last updated by the Property, Business and Regulatory Department on 29 May 2009. © Copyright Hampshire County Council 2010.