Doorstep Selling Consumer

As part of our doorstep crime initiative West Yorkshire Trading Standards are implementing Cold Calling Control Zones. These are being established in response to increasing complaints about cold callers and doorstep crime in the county and form part of a national programme supported by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI). They have been established with the help and support of the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, local Councillors and most importantly, local residents.

Cold Calling is any uninvited visit by a trader to a consumer where the ultimate aim is to enter into a contract for goods or services. Whilst cold calling is not currently illegal it is a practice that the vast majority of people do not want and some people find intimidating and frightening. 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.

Cold Calling Control Zones are areas which are considered to be vulnerable to doorstep crime and in which the residents have stated they do not want cold callers. The zones give consumers the confidence to collectively say "NO" to these callers.

The zones are clearly identified by signs on street lights and each resident is provided with a doorstoppers pack containing a doorsticker and lots of useful information and advice for householders covering consumer rights and general home safety advice.

The zones have been hailed a huge success nationally and have been shown to reduce overall crime in the area.

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, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or use the e mail form at Consumer Direct and then select Yorkshire and the Humber.

For more information about Doorstep Selling and Cold Calling please go to the website www.doorstoppers.info.