Signs and stickers aim to discourage cold callers

Stockton Council has set up two "no cold calling control zones", in the Chaloner Road area of Yarm and Burnside Grove and Burnside Court in Stockton.

Signs have been given to all residents in these areas with the council and police logos.

Local residents are also being educated on how to deal with cold callers.

If the pilot zones are successful, it is hoped the scheme could be extended to other areas.

Impact on crime

Councillor Paul Kirton, Stockton Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "The majority of people I speak to simply do not want traders calling uninvited.

"Reputable traders can easily make contact by other means such as press adverts or leaflets - consumers can then contact the traders if and when they choose to."

Councillor Ann Cains, chairwoman of Stockton Home Safety Association, added: "I believe these zones can really have an impact on this type of doorstep crime.

"This is important because these crimes are often targeted towards the older or more vulnerable members of our communities."