JUNCTION OF PEAR TREE LANE AND KILN ROAD DOWN TO AND INCLUDING CAVALIER CLOSE

(Also includes Lawrence Place, Northwood Drive and Edgecombe Lane)

 Question

 Answer

 NO COLD CALLING ZONES

 This scheme is operated by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council.

 Tel: West Berkshire: 01635 519930
 Email: tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
 Fax: 01635 519240

What is a No Cold Calling
 Zone? 

This is a designated area defined area, usually accompanied by a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which a crime prevention initiative implemented by the residents themselves.  This initiative is actively supported by West Berkshire and Wokingham Trading Standard Service and Thames Valley Police.

The aim is to deter unscrupulous cold callers and the potential for door step crime and to empower the residents to say "No"  

What is a  Doorstep Crime? 

This is a crime arising from doorstep callers, bogus workmen, high pressure sales people, bogus officials and distraction burglary.

Distraction burglary is where a householder is distracted by a door step call whilst an accomplice steals money or posessions.  If it now well established that distraction burglaries and rogue doorstep trading are often interlinked  A sone can assist in detecting doorstep criminals through residents reporting any suspicious or criminal activity.

How is a No Cold Calling Zone set up

Any proposed zone requires a co-ordinator to distribute relevant information packs provided by West Berkshire and Woking Trading Standards Service.  Each information pack contains a letter informing the householder that their area is being considered for the zone, a leaflet on Doorstep Sales and a "No Cold Callers" stick.

If 2/3rds of the householders are in favour then the zone will be implemented.  Following a successful No Cold Calling Zone consultation Trading Standards will erect metal street signs at the entry and exit point of the zone to effectively notify would-be cold callers of the residents' wish not be to be called on.

Are there any exemptions to who can call within the zone? 

The following are not intended to be excluded from a No Cold Calling zone

Regular Rounds people - eg Milkman, Postman

Companies with pre-booked appointments (eg Utility Companies)

Religious Groups

Genuine Charity Collectors

Electoral Candidates

Catalogue Distributors

What can I do if I have an unwanted caller?

A householder is under no obligation to open the door to anyone.

West Berkshire & Wokingham Trading Standards Service advise residents to politely inform the caller that they are not interesting in conducting business in this manner and to not return.

If the unwanted caller fails to leave, the resident can call Trading Standards, using the telephone number on the sign.  Trading Standars d will attend it if it appropriate and they have the resources to do so.  However if the the resident feels threatened then contact the Police on the 999 number

To reduce the number of unwanted sales telephone calls you can register at the Telephone Preference Service website at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk or you can telephone 0845 070 0707

This service can help to reduce the number of calls, although it is not 100% effective and you may still receive some calls - but the majority should cease.

This is a completely FREE deterrent to unwanted calls.  If you are required to fill in forms with your telephone number and you know that company really does not need to know it - Protect your phone number by entering 0333 88 88 88 88 (thats 0 followed by three 3s and eight 8s) as your phone number.  Cold callers will then hear a short recorded message:-

"trueCall38 is handling my calls.  I prefer not to be contacted by phone, so please contact me via my email address. Goodbye!"

Remember some companys actually do need your phone number - maybe they need your mobile to send you a text as part of their validation process, or it's a flight booking service, or a form at a hospital... In these cases it may be better to give them your real number.

To limit the amount of unsolicited mail, you can visit the Mail Preference Service at http://mpsonline.org.uk or telephone 0207 291 3310

This service can help to reduce the amount of junk mail although it is not 100% effective and you may still receive some unwanted mail - but the majority should cease.