Criminals’ money helps with security

Officers from the Wharfedale and Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team are to set up a no cold calling zone in Burley-in-Wharfedale, after securing funding and support from residents.

It will be modelled on a similar scheme which launched in Ilkley last year and will protect around 350 homes in total in the village.

Signs and stickers will be displayed in streets and in participating homes warning cold-callers that residents do not want to be contacted on their doorsteps by those trying to sell unsolicited goods and services.

While many cold-callers are genuine and trying to sell products such as double glazing or roofing, the technique is also often used by thieves to trick their way into houses and by more unscrupulous tradesmen.

Officers have stressed the cold-calling zone would only be intended to put off opportunists and thieves rather than reputable trades and salesmen.

Signs and stickers are now on order for the initiative which has been jointly funded by Burley Parish Council, the Shipley Area Co-ordinators Office and from cash seized from crime under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Insp Sue Sanderson of the Craven and Wharfedale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “By mounting some stickers and signs we can provide a very simple and low cost but also effective deterrent to potential nuisance callers as well as some reassurance for elderly and vulnerable residents.”

Insp Sanderson added: “We received a positive response from residents in Ilkley when we set up the zone there and are pleased to be able to offer the same protection to residents in Burley-in-Wharfedale.”

The inspector said the scheme was being introduced following public discussions in the local area and the project would get underway as soon as the signs were delivered.