Southwark says "no" to rogue traders
23/05/2008
Two areas designated as “No Cold Calling Control Zones” (NCCCZ) have been launched by Southwark Council to safeguard vulnerable members of the community from crime associated with doorstep selling.
Residents on the Scovell Estate in Borough and Courtmead Close in Dulwich, signed up to combat bogus callers, high pressure salespeople and burglars who operate by distracting householders on the doorstep.
The pilot schemes come just days before tough new laws are introduced to close loopholes that rogue traders have previously been able to exploit. Mrs Lil Morgan, a resident of the Scovell Estate for nearly 30 years, was a victim of an attempted distraction burglary.
She said: “I was duped into letting two men into my flat. They said they had come to sort out a problem with the water in the block. I didn’t ask for any identification, but very soon after I let one of them into my flat, I just felt something wasn’t right, and asked him to leave. Once he’d left I realised that his accomplice had ransacked my bedroom. The whole thing was very upsetting and left me feeling very nervous.”
Commenting on the launch of the NCCCZ, Southwark Councillor Paul Kyriacou, said: "Elderly and vulnerable victims of these types of crime are often traumatised by the events and left fearful of every caller to their home. The NCCCZ is an excellent initiative which we hope will deter criminals from operating and leave potential victims feeling a bit safer within their own homes."
The consultation prior to the scheme found that 99% of all those surveyed agreed to the setting up of a pilot NCCCZ in their area, 67% reported that they had been cold-called in the previous 12 months, and approximately 10% reported that they had previously suffered a bad experience of cold-calling.
The NCCCZ also includes a “Nominated Neighbour Scheme”, which will allow residents to refer callers to a nominated neighbour to establish their validity before being allowed to gain entry to their homes. Following a six-month evaluation of the pilot scheme, the programme will be considered for roll out across the borough.
All residents in the area have also been offered advice on home security and what to do if an unwanted trader calls, as well as a pack including stickers indicating their refusal to buy goods from doorstep sellers. New laws designed to help protect vulnerable members of the community from crime associated with doorstep selling include the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, which comes into force on the May 26 2008 and replaces various Trading Standards legislation such as the Trade Descriptions Act (1968).
For further information visit the website below or phone: 020 7525 7307.