NEW No Cold Calling zones have been set up in Kendal to deter thieves and help residents feel safer.
Cumbria trading standards has teamed up with police and South Lakes Housing to create zones at Rinkfield, Burland Grove and Gallow-barrow.
Trials across the UK since 2005 involving more than 1,000 zones have shown falls of up to 80 per cent in crime and distraction theft.
Residents are given information on how to deal with cold callers should the signs be ignored.
Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong said: “It’s extremely encouraging that communities are taking a stand against doorstep crime.
"These zones will reduce the chances of residents falling victim to this type of crime.”
Angela Jones, Cumbria Trading Standards manager, said: “It's got to be one of the most callous scams going - cheating elderly and vulnerable people out of their money in their homes.
“Quite simply this is about residents having the confidence to say ‘no’ to uninvited tradesmen and to send a message to rogue traders that they are not welcome.”
Anyone who has information about doorstep crime can contact trading standards on 08454 04 05 06.
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