No cold calling zone launched in Borehamwood street (From This Is Local London)

No called calling zone launched in Oak Farm, Arundel Drive

3:00pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Where I Live By Anna Slater

A no cold calling zone has been launched in a Borehamwood street where many distraction burglaries have taken place.

The scheme, launched yesterday, prohibits doorstop sellers from knocking on doors in Oak Farm, Arundel Drive, in a bid to deter rogue traders from operating in the area.

Warning signs have been installed on lampposts, and residents have received information packs containing stickers and emergency telephone numbers.

PCSO Natalie Pearman worked with Nick Quinlan from Trading Standards to set up the zone, jointly funded by the Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership.

She said: “Distraction burglaries and rogue trading incidents have such a negative impact on its victims, who are often elderly and live alone, and we will do all we can help to prevent further victims.

“We hope that it will help people feel safer and more empowered.”

County Councillor Richard Thake, executive member for community safety on Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are pleased to be working with Hertfordshire Police and Hertsmere Borough Council to show residents their rights when dealing with cold callers and help them feel confident enough to say 'no’.”

“We have had considerable success in getting rogue traders prosecuted through the courts.

“We will keep the pressure on people who misuse these tactics.”