Pensioners should ask cold callers for ID

A pilot "No Cold Calling Zone" project is set to be implemented by Edinburgh City Council in October.

The council said 80 homes will be covered by the scheme but the streets are yet to be named.

The proposal, to be considered by the council's executive next week, could be rolled out across Edinburgh if it is successful.

Councillor Sheila Gilmore, Edinburgh City Council housing leader, promised full consultation with local residents and councillors.

"No Cold Calling Zones' have been successfully set up in other local authority areas.

Cllr Gilmore said: "It is something we would be keen to do in order to reduce crime associated with doorstep selling and to protect the most vulnerable members of the community."

'Confused and traumatised'

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: "Every year, elderly and vulnerable members of our community fall prey to bogus callers who target them to steal from them.

"The impact can often be devastating for the victim, leaving them feeling confused and traumatised.

"Often these cowardly individuals will take cash for work not carried out or sneak their way into homes using distraction techniques and take jewellery, money and other valuable items.

"The No Cold Calling Scheme would definitely go some way to reducing the likelihood of this type of crime and making it harder for these unscrupulous criminals to operate."