Cold call control zones

Doorstep crime

Many doorstep traders offer a legitimate service. However, some look to exploit vulnerable people by failing to give them information on who they are, what work is to be carried out and any rights the person has to cancel the agreement. These traders charge inflated prices for work that is often of poor quality, not required or not carried out at all. This is referred to as doorstep crime and the traders involved as rogue traders, cowboy builders or bogus workman.

All homes in the zone are issued with a Residents' Information Pack. This includes information on how to deal with an unexpected doorstep trader, advice on how to report such incidents and details of schemes that can provide reputable traders to carry out work in your home.

Every home in the zone is supplied with a double sided door sticker with information for the resident and a warning for the visitor. By issuing door stickers to every home in the zone, vulnerable residents are protected without specifically identifying their homes. Street signs will also be displayed on lamp posts throughout the area to identify the zone.

It is not illegal for a trader to enter a Zone but door stickers and street signs may discourage rogue doorstep traders. Zones encourage residents to report incidents of doorstep crime to us, so we are able to respond quickly to incidents.