Raigmore Community Council Cold Call Control Zone launch
As part of Operation Monarda, a national Police Scotland operation aimed at tackling doorstep crime, Raigmore Community Council in partnership with Highland Council Trading Standards and Police Scotland have today (Monday 22 May) launched their Cold Call Control Zone (CCCZ). Covering the whole of the Raigmore area, the CCCZ aims to deter unwanted doorstep callers from calling on the communities 700 plus residents.
Highland Council Trading Standards encourage communities concerned about unwanted doorstep callers to consider implementing a zone. Such zones have proven popular and effective in other parts of the country and are known to combat doorstep crime and empower communities to be safer where it matters most.
Linda Smart, CCCZ co-ordinator for Raigmore Community Council said: “We first learned of Cold Call Control Zones about a year ago and thought it would be a good idea to have such a zone in Raigmore, it keeps unwanted callers away and makes the people who live here feel safer when the doorbell rings. We’re delighted to have got this in place and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with Trading Standards, although now we hope that we won’t have much information to pass on.”
Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, added: “We are delighted to be working with Raigmore Community Council and see the launch of their zone. At this time of year bogus workmen who cold call are out and about targeting members of the community, and this, the fourth CCCZ in Inverness is yet another example of a community stepping forward for the protection of its residents.”
“The residents have been provided with everything they need to allow them to act and report a cold caller, including what to look out for and what Trading Standards and Police Scotland need to act should a cold caller enter the zone.”
Temporary Superintendent Colin Gough, Police Scotland, said: "Police Scotland is delighted to be working with Communities and Trading Standards colleagues in the development of the Raigmore Cold Call Control Zone. The overall aim will be to ensure people feel safe in their own homes and don’t feel pressured to buy goods and services on the doorstep, even from bona-fide traders. This welcomed approach by residents should reduce the number of people who fall prey to non-legitimate traders who overcharge, carry out poor quality work or take money without completing any of the work required. On introduction of the ‘No Cold Call Zone’ anybody attempting to trade door to door leaves themselves open to being dealt with by Trading Standards or the Police. Collectively we will work together to give communities and residents the knowledge to deal effectively and confidently with unsolicited callers and reduce crime and the fear of crime."
If your community is interested in starting a CCCZ you can access information on the Highland Council website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/20000/trading_standards/593/cold_call_control_zones, from here you can learn about the purpose of the zones and how to set one up, where to contact Trading Standards and there is also guidance for legitimate businesses who cold call.
Please remember also that anyone can report any suspected bogus workman by calling Police Scotland on 101 or 999 should you consider there to be an imminent threat, or by calling Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.