The Trading Standards Team, working with Safer Neighbourhood Teams and local residents has successfully set up a number of Doorstep Calling Restricted Zones ( DCRZ )  to deter bogus callers targeting our vulnerable residents.

Each DCRZ location is highlighted with signs fitted to lamp posts. The signs show the emergency contact number. Each household in the DCRZ will receive a pack containing a free sign sticker saying ‘We’re not buying it’ (PDF 408kb) and other relevant information connected to the scheme. If residents have suspicions about anyone knocking on doors in their area they call Consumer Direct immediately for help and advice.

The Trading Standards REACT Team, the Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Metropolitan Police are working closely to ensure enforcement support in appropriate cases. If at anytime you feel unsafe in your home and require urgent assistance please dial 999.

Calling Restricted Zones give residents control over who is operating in their neighbourhoods, as well talking to their neighbours and Safer Neighbourhood Teams to stop rogue traders. Rogue traders use cold calling as a way to catch householders off guard and regularly seek out and target the most vulnerable.

Zones have been put in place at the following areas:

• Clayhall
• Snaresbrook
• Chadwell 
• Bridge
• Wanstead
• Fullwell
• Hainault
• Aldborough
• Church End

The Zones are protecting over 6,500 Redbridge residents.

Within the Zones the fear of crime from cold calling by Bogus Callers has been significantly reduced.

If anyone would like further information regarding any of the above issues, please contact Redbridge Contact Centre on tel:0208 7085716, or email public.protection@redbridge.gov.uk.  For anyone wanting a Doorstep Calling Retricted Zone in their area, please contact either the Trading Standards Team on the above or call your local Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers. For more consumer advice please email or call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.