Yeadon and Rawdon get no-go zones for doorstep traders (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Yeadon and Rawdon get no-go zones for doorstep traders

'No-go zones' for doorstep traders have been created in Yeadon and Rawdon.

From left, Richard Hawkes and David Lawson, of Yeadon and Rawdon Neighbourhood Watch Association, Graham Hebblethwaite, PCSO James Crowther and Inspector Richard Coldwell.

Around 1,000 homes covered by the Yeadon and Rawdon Neighbourhood Watch Association have been included in the 'no cold calling' zones in a bid to crack down on rogue traders and bogus official burglars.

The scheme which covers 29 streets came into force this week.

The initiative won funding from Leeds City Council’s North West Outer Area Committee which has paid for street signs and door and window stickers.

It has the backing of the North West Outer Neighbourhood Policing Team and West Yorkshire Trading Standards who will monitor the zones.

Inspector Richard Coldwell, of the North West Outer NPT, said: “Cold calling, even when done by legitimate companies, can be intimidating for elderly residents and intrusive and irritating for others.

“Our main concern, however, is that cold calling is the favourite tactic of thieves seeking to trick their way into vulnerable people’s homes to steal from them and also of rogue traders who are out to rip people off by charging them exorbitant amounts for sub-standard work on their homes, or often no work at all.

“The establishment of these cold calling control zones will be a further line of defence against these criminals as it gives residents the confidence to say no to any uninvited visitors who call at their homes.

“It also means my officers can take an increased interest in anyone they see calling on homes in the designated areas while they are out on their patrols.

“This scheme is an excellent example of how residents, the police and partner agencies can work together to help make our communities safer.”

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “We are in full support of any initiative which reduces the threat of crime to vulnerable communities and improves their quality of life.

“We always advise people to avoid doing business on the doorstep where possible. If you need work doing, always obtain two or three quotes from reputable traders, in particular those that are members of registered trader scheme.”

Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Graham Latty said: “I’m delighted that we as local councillors have been able to fund this new zone which will immediately benefit local people, particularly the elderly, who are most at risk of being targeted by unscrupulous door-to-door traders.”