Suffolk no cold calling zones increase with latest launched in Brandon
Suffolk has seen an increase in the number of no cold calling zones - areas where unsolicited door-knocking is prohibited.
There are 193 such zones across the county, covering 9,337 properties, seeking to reduce the number of calls on properties for several reasons including scams.
The most recent was set up in Brandon alongside Mildenhall Police on August 9.
Suffolk County Council says it launched 18 new zones between July 1, 2021 and June 31 this year.
Since June 1, a further nine zones have been implemented.
They are launched in areas where residents do not want visits from unsolicited callers, working with Suffolk County Council, police and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Areas are marked with signs with residents also putting stickers in their windows asking people not to call at their doors.
Setting up a no cold-calling zone is simple and hassle-free, according to the council, with residents simply having to agree to set up one and getting in contact with them.
The council said the primary reason residents choose these measures is to reduce crime.
Crime must have been identified in the area for the council to designate it as a no cold-calling zone, and the geographic area of the zone will be limited to where the problem is located.
Trading Standards prefers these zones to be set up in areas with a high density of potentially vulnerable people.
A spokesperson for Suffolk Trading Standards said: “Doorstep cold callers can often prey on the most vulnerable, convincing them to buy products and services they may not need, sometimes at a very high cost.
“Our No Cold Calling Zones help to protect our county against such criminals, and those living within existing zones have reported seeing a significant reduction in unwanted doorstep cold calls.
They added: “More importantly, they empower Suffolk’s communities to take a stand, enabling them to work together to take positive action to improve their quality of life by setting up and maintaining the zones.”
