Background

1. Members will recall that a report on Cold Calling Schemes such as that operating in Luton, should be submitted to this Committee.
   
   
2. This report gives background information about a community safety initiative currently being piloted in Kent which aims to reduce the number of victims of rogue traders and burglary artifice.  Burglary artifice is burglary committed against vulnerable people, usually older people, by bogus callers gaining entry to homes by pretending to represent a bone fide organisation or utility.  The initiative is known nationally as the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and more than 100 schemes nationally including the Luton Scheme, are already either set up or in the process of starting up.  In Kent, the scheme is led by Kent Trading Standards and Kent Police.  The first pilot in Kent is taking place in Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells in partnership with the local Community Safety Partnership and Parish Council.
   
3. The Trading Standards Institute has undertaken consultations indicating that up to 96% of respondents are in favour of stopping cold calling.
   
   How the scheme works
   
   
4. Particular areas suitable for the project are designated.   ‘No Cold Calling Zone signs’ are put up in the designated areas.  Households receive a leaflet explaining the scheme and giving telephone numbers to ring if they are concerned about anyone knocking on doors in the neighbourhood.  Trading Standards Officers or the Police will respond to the call and, where appropriate, can demand to see identification. The leaflet makes it clear that if anyone has reason to believe a crime is being committed, or if they feel threatened in any way, they should call the police in the usual manner.