BEDWORTH streets targeted by cowboy traders have been made no-go zones to stop them in their tracks.
A total of five roads in the town have become the latest 'No Rogue Trader Zone' under a scheme operated by Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards Service.
The zone, which covers Drayton Road, York Avenue, Wordsworth Road, George Eliot Avenue and Shelly Close, aim to discourage rogue traders selling poor quality goods and using bully-boy tactics, as well as deterring those who use doorstep selling as a cover for a distraction burglary.
Julie Jackson, Warwickshire County Councillor for the Poplar Ward said: "The residents of Bedworth have raised concerns about doorstep crime and I am delighted that these roads will now be able to benefit from this initiative, as other parts of Warwickshire already have.
"The No Rogue Trader Zone initiative seeks to protect the most vulnerable and elderly people in our community and stop the bogus callers who seek to intimidate, con and scare people for their own monetary gains.
"Residents in the area still need to be vigilant and look out for themselves and their neighbours. We know there are rogue traders out there but with this campaign we can stop them. Remember Suspect It, Report It."
Residents of 177 properties will be issued with a No Rogue Trader door/window sticker and an information booklet following the theme of staying safe.
Street signage will also be put up to reinforce the message and act as a warning to people that they will be reported if they attempt to trade in the area.
A survey of residents in the hotspot area highlighted that two thirds had had a doorstep visit from a trader in the last year and 59 per cent considered doorstep sellers a problem.
Residents reported people selling household cleaning items such as dusters, beds and double glazing and offering tree-cutting, roof repairs and driveway surfacing services.
Many complained that the callers did not wear ID, were persistent, threatening, difficult to get rid of and kept coming back day after day.
This information, along with intelligence from Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has enabled funding for a 'No Rogue Trader Zone' - which is the seventh to be established in Warwickshire.
Chair of Bede and Poplar Community Forum, Warwickshire county councillor Richard Chattaway, added: "We are pleased to have taken this up on behalf of the residents and I would like to thank officers for taking action in a speedy manner to deliver this no rogue trader zone."
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Rapid Response Team via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06. Officers will reply either in person or by phone to a report of a suspicious caller in the area.
