No Cold Calling Zone being set up Syke

Date published: 09 February 2006

A ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ is being set up in the Syke area. The zone will cover Joy Street, Scarr Drive, Leyton Street, Crosby Street and Glen Gardens. The aim of the initiative is to reduce the number of bogus callers, distraction burglars and rogue traders operating in the area.

Doorstep crime is a problem for the borough. Rochdale is one of only three areas in Greater Manchester where the recorded number of crimes of this type is on the increase. There was a 43.4% increase in the number of incidents in Rochdale in July 2005 to December 2005 (53 crimes), when compared with the same period in 2004 (30 crimes).

However, to place this in context, police point out that one woman was responsible for 10 of the offences committed last July/August and admitted to a further 20 offences from earlier in the year. She was later charged and dealt with by the courts.

Serious doorstep crime incidents are rare, but when they do happen they can be very upsetting. Criminals often target older, vulnerable people.

Rochdale police, Trading Standards, Community Safety, Careline and other agencies on the local Doorstep Crime Action Group have been working together to crack the problem.

Some seven metal warning signs will be fitted to lampposts in surrounding streets and 150 households will each receive supporting material.

These measures are in addition to a number of local safety sessions held in Syke recently, such as home security visits, workshops, and role play exercises.

Local people are being urged to have nothing to do with cold calling doorstep sellers. The clear message they aim to send to this modern menace is “you are not welcome here.” The initiative will rely heavily on members of the public, not only in changing the way they deal with and tolerate doorstep callers, but also reporting incidents to either the police or to trading standards.

The No Cold Calling campaign will be evaluated in six months. If successful, similar schemes may be established throughout Rochdale.

Nicola Oldham, GMP Homewatch administrator for the area said: "A good deal of doorstep crime could be prevented if residents were more aware of "doorstep etiquette".  As part of this scheme, we want to work with local people and teach them how to be more assertive when dealing with cold callers."

Pat Davies, Home Watch Co-ordinator for Joy Street, said: “As a local resident of Syke, I am very enthusiastic about the No Cold Calling Zone.  Any attempt to protect our community by deterring unwanted callers has to be a good thing."

Councillor Lynn Brosnan, portfolio holder for crime and disorder, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “Reducing crime and disorder is a key priority for the Borough, and the Council is keen to support any initiative which will improve the quality of life for local residents.”

She added:  “Up and down the country No Cold Calling Zones have a proven record of success, and we have no doubt that this will be the same in Syke.”

Andy Glover, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s Chief Trading Standards Officer, said: “We advise people never to do business with a person who calls at their door without an appointment. If you need work doing, it is far better to obtain two or three quotes from reputable traders, such as those members of our Registered Trader scheme.  

“The No Cold Calling Zone will help residents say 'no' to unsolicited callers.”    

If you are a victim of doorstep crime, call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050.
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To find out more about the Registered Trader scheme, call 01706 864186.