No Cold Calling Zone set up in Goldenhill/Sandyford

Suspicious callers at the door are set to be a thing of the past for the residents of a Stoke-on-Trent community.

A ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ has been set up in the Goldenhill and Sandyford areas of the city.

Neighbourhood police officers, together with representatives from Trading Standards and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, have worked together to set the scheme up.

Visitors to the No Cold Calling Zone will now see street signs on lamp posts to warn traders, and residents will also be provided with a door/window sticker to display.

In order for the scheme to be implemented, residents were asked to fill in a questionnaire, with the majority welcoming the No Cold Calling Zone.

PSCO Michael Frost, who has helped to set up the latest zone, said: “No Cold Calling Zones are proving to be an excellent way of warding off suspicious callers at the door.

“Previous schemes have been well received by all members of the community, particularly our more elderly and vulnerable residents.

“Anything which reduces crime and the fear of crime in our communities is to be welcomed.”

Councillor Terry Follows, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for environment, waste management and neighbourhood services, said: "We've noticed a rise in the number of doorstep crime cases over the last few years.

“In light of that, we have been working with Staffordshire Police and other agencies to look at ways of reducing doorstep crime.

“No Cold Call Zones are about people being safe in their communities and having the backing of the local authority and the police when it comes to dealing with people trying to fraudulently sell goods on their doorstep.”

David Steele, Risk Reduction Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Following recent reports of suspicious cold callers in Staffordshire, we fully support this scheme to help stamp out the issue.

“The Fire Service will be providing fire safety advice and giving reassurance to all our communities as part of our Fire Safety Initiatives. We can also offer advice to anyone who has concerns about door security as part of our free Home Fire Risk Checks. All Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel carry official identification and will not be offended if you wish to check this with our freephone number before you let them into your home.

“We would encourage all homeowners to check ID for any business or tradesperson who knocks on your door – if they are genuine, they will not mind. If you are unsure about anyone who knocks on your door then do not let them in.

“Anyone interested in receiving a free Home Fire Risk Check can call our team on 0800 0241 999.”