The threats posed by distraction burglars and rogue traders in parts of Aldershot could fall dramatically after the introduction of a No Cold Calling Zone on Friday last week.

The zone, the second of its kind in Rushmoor, covers about 160 homes in Heron Wood Road, Maple Walk and Hampshire Close.

The first zone covers Aldershot’s Kings Road and Kings Way.
The scheme was launched at Connaught School, Aldershot, by representatives of Hampshire police and trading standards. It aims to deter cold callers, give residents more confidence in refusing them entry and to help enforce trading standards legislation.

It is hoped it will prevent distraction burglaries, where one person keeps the resident talking while another steals from the house. It is also designed to deter rogue traders, who deceive residents into letting them perform shoddy work and then demand unreasonable pay.

Leader of Hampshire County Council Cllr Ken Thornber was scathing of doorstep conmen.

“Rogue traders and distraction burglars often target the elderly and vulnerable in our communities and not only take people’s hard earned money but also destroy their confidence and steal their independence,” he said.

“By extending No Cold Calling Zones across the county we are sending out a strong message to all bogus callers that they will not be tolerated in Hampshire.”

Cllr Thornber said local knowledge and residents’ support have helped select where each zone was introduced.

Potential zones are pinpointed by police and trading standards intelligence, but are not established until residents have been consulted and expressed their support.
Pc Paul Williams, of the Heron Wood Safer Neighbourhoods Team, says the zones have previously proved very effective and are popular with residents.

“The idea of a No Cold Calling Zone is to give people the confidence to say no,” he said.

“One resident turning away a rogue trader may not work, but if a whole community is doing the same then they soon get the message.

“If we can stop just one distraction burglary or rogue trader and as a result reduce the fear of crime, then the zone is definitely worth it.”

Pc Williams thanked the residents for supporting the project. “Together I hope we can keep these criminals away,” he said.

Residents in the zone are being given special packs.

These contain window stickers discouraging cold callers, a Safe and Sound booklet with consumer and safety advice, a leaflet from Crimestoppers, a list of numbers for checking callers’ identities and a guide of when to call. It includes a Buy With Confidence directory, contain-ing information on more than 500 tradesmen approved by trading standards.

Cold calling is not illegal in the zones. They are not meant to deter legitimate callers, such as charity workers and genuine representatives of water or gas companies, who welcome the scheme.

Genuine callers expect residents to ask for identification and are happy for them to verify it.

Residents should be wary, however, as many distraction burglars claim to be from the water board, the council or other such services.

On July 5 this year, a man claiming to be from the water board distracted a Heron Wood Road pensioner while another entered the house and stole money from a wallet in the bedroom.

According to trading standards officers, victims of such actions and of rogue traders are usually female and 80 or older.

Call the Quick Response Team, open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, on 01962 833666 or Hampshire Police on 0845 045 45 45 at other times. If threatened or intimidated by a cold caller still in the vicinity, dial 999.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information on doorstep crime.

To check the list of approved traders, visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or request a copy by phone on 08454 04 05 06.