No to 'cold callers' in Tooting
Rogue traders and doorstep conmen are being warned to steer clear of a neighbourhood in Tooting that is the latest in the borough to be designated a "no cold calling zone".
Residents in an area around Cowick Road will benefit from new safeguards protecting them and their homes from unscrupulous traders, conmen, distraction burglars and high-pressure sales teams. The zone, which covers 210 properties, aims to prevent callers from knocking on doors without a prior appointment.
It will be marked out using street signs that warn would-be offenders that their activities will not be tolerated. Residents have been urged to immediately report any suspicious callers to the police or council.
The area was chosen as it contains a higher than average number of older residents, who are often targeted by rogue traders and doorstep conmen. A similar clampdown in West Putney last year led to a huge drop in unexpected and unwanted callers, according to residents.
Executive member for community safety James Cousins said:
We know that confidence tricksters and cowboy workmen prey on older people. We want to send out the message that everyone in this zone will be on the look-out for these unwanted callers.