COLD-CALLERS will be given the elbow after the launch of a new scheme.

A No Cold Calling Zone has been launched in Rayners Lane to try and ward off unsolicited traders offering goods and services on people’s doorsteps.

Cold callers have at times used this technique to prey upon the vulnerable, targeting them for scams or offering overpriced or unnecessary remedial work to their homes.

The No Cold Calling Zone has been put into place to make clear to potential cold callers that the residents of the area do not welcome such visitors and that residents will report such activity to the authorities.

On Tuesday, September 1, hundreds flocked to the Zoroastrian Centre in Rayners Lane for the launch of the scheme, which was attended by Mayor of Harrow Krishna Suresh along with police – including their horses and dog squad.

PCSO John Duggan said: “The 'No cold-calling zone' scheme is about giving people the confidence not to open the door and not to feel obliged to converse with doorstep traders.

"I remember how an 80-year-old woman completely lost her confidence after being approached by a doorstep trader once.

"This scheme will encourage communities to talk to each other and remain alert to who is in their street."

The launch was the culmination of more than 15 months’ work between the Rayners Lane Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team, alongside Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, Cllr Suresh and Harrow Environmental Services.

PCSO Lisa Saunders said: "Our team motto is 'Crime cannot flourish in a community that cares' and when we spoke to residents through our street briefings and knocking on doors, we discovered that people don’t seem to like saying 'no' at the door. 

"As a result, we wanted to empower them through this scheme."