AN Essex village has banned cold callers in a bid to crackdown on criminals who trick their way into vulnerable people's homes. The village of Langham is the first in the Colchester area to introduce a No Cold Calling Zone as part of an ongoing drive across the county to reduce doorstep crime.

AN Essex village has banned cold callers in a bid to crackdown on criminals who trick their way into vulnerable people's homes.

The village of Langham is the first in the Colchester area to introduce a No Cold Calling Zone as part of an ongoing drive across the county to reduce doorstep crime.

Although flouting the rules is not an arrestable offence, it is hoped the signs and resident awareness will be enough to deter would-be conmen.

Co-ordinators from Langham Neighbourhood Watch have visited homes in Perry Lane and Chapel Road to advise how the scheme works.

The initiative was set up by Essex County Council's Trading Standards team, in partnership with Essex Police.

And Dedham, West Bergholt and the Dutch Quarter in Colchester are all due to join the same scheme within a matter of weeks.

Roger Walters, the county councillor in charge of trading standards said: “No Cold Calling Zones are an excellent way of protecting local residents from unwanted door-to-door salespeople.

“I am pleased that we have been able to introduce the scheme in Colchester, as it means more people do not have to feel intimidated by cold callers knocking at their door.”

No Cold Calling Zones are already operating in Chelmsford, Maldon and Tendring, and trading standards have said they hope to add more areas throughout the year.

A spokesman for Essex Police said sellers could not be arrested for attempting to knock doors in the area.

However, he said: “It is all about good practice and hopefully if criminals know they are going to be asked to leave, they will soon be on their way.”

The doorstep initiative was established five years ago by trading standards and Essex Police and is sponsored through the Trading Standards Institute by BT, with part-funding from Langham Neighbourhood Watch.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk