Aldwick launches no cold-calling zone

The occupiers of 303 properties along Westminster Drive and its cul-de-sacs such as Truro Crescent have become members of the largest no cold calling zone around Bognor Regis.

The zone came into effect last Thursdayand covers all of what is known as the Aldwick Park estate. It is intended to cut the chances of distraction burglars and rogue workmen preying on homeowners.

A residents' day which involved Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, West Sussex trading standards officers and Neighbourhood Watch representatives marked the launch of the initiative.

Some 50 residents took the chance to go along during the first 90 minutes of the event at nearby Mosse Hall in St Richard's Way.

Sandy Hiscock, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the eastern end of Westminster Drive, started the efforts to get the zone established.

She said: 'I had become concerned at the number of cold callers and reports of rogue traders in our area.

'My primary concern was for the elderly people on the estate. They are the most vulnerable and can be taken advantage of with regard to distraction burglaries and conmen.'

All the properties on the estate were canvassed for their views about a no cold callers zone.

'Everyone was very much in favour,' said Mrs Hiscock. 'It is hoped the zone will deter cold callers and reinforce the message to residents not to deal with doorstep traders, be aware of doorstep crime issues and report any suspicious callers to the police.'

Senior trading standards officer Gavin Hunnikin commented: 'This zone is all about trying to prevent doorstep crime from happening. It can be very hard to tackle.

'With crimes like that, we often only get to hear of it happening after the event and we only get a vague description of the person concerned like a first name and the colour of a vehicle.'

Signs which state the zone's existence have been put up on lamp-posts in the Westminster Drive area. Cold callers who persist in knocking on doors within the zone can be threatened with the police by residents if they refuse to go away.

The Westminster Drive zone is the first in Aldwick and the fifth around Bognor. It is set to be followed in the next few months by an even larger zone to cover all the West Meads estate.

Mr Hunnikin added: 'There is a high demand for these zones to be established but we have to make a priority of those areas where there is a need for it because of previous incidents.'