RESIDENTS in Liskeard and Torpoint are being given greater protection from rogue traders and doorstep criminals following the introduction of new No Cold Caller Zones.

Cornwall Council has established zones in parts of both towns as part of a wider effort to prevent unsolicited doorstep selling and protect vulnerable residents from financial exploitation.

In Liskeard, the new zone covers Moorland View, Moorland Close, Portland Close, Ashbury Close and Evely Court, while in Torpoint, Chapeldown Road has been designated a No Cold Caller Zone.

The areas have been created by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team alongside local community safety officers. Signs will mark the boundaries, while residents receive information explaining their rights and how to report suspicious callers.

The zones are legally enforceable, meaning cold calling is prohibited within the designated areas. Anyone who ignores the ban could face a fine or, in serious cases, up to two years in prison.

Cornwall Council says the scheme can reduce rogue trading, increase residents’ confidence and safety, and help Trading Standards and police respond more quickly to reports.

The move comes amid continuing concerns about doorstep crime across Cornwall. In the past year, residents lost more than £125,000 to traders for work that was unnecessary, poorly completed or, in some cases, never carried out.

Rogue traders commonly offer home improvement services including guttering, roofing, soffits, fascias, tarmacking and block paving. Trading Standards has also seen an increase in cold calls involving energy-saving products such as storage heaters and insulation. In some cases, callers arrange a preliminary telephone appointment to make a subsequent visit by a supposed “surveyor” appear legitimate.

Residents are warned that rogue traders may charge excessive prices, demand cash or pressure homeowners into agreeing to additional work. Some may deliberately damage property to create the impression that repairs are needed.

Other doorstep sellers offer goods such as mattresses or sofas. Trading Standards warns that such products may be stolen or fail to meet fire safety requirements, while sellers can be difficult to trace if problems arise.

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for Community Safety and Public Health, said complaints about cold callers often involve pressure being placed on residents to buy goods or agree to work.

She said criminals can particularly target older and vulnerable people, leaving victims not only out of pocket but feeling frightened and embarrassed in their own homes.

Residents are advised not to confront suspicious traders. Instead, they should record details including names, vehicle descriptions and registration numbers, what work or goods were offered, and the date and time of the visit.

Trading Standards advises homeowners to say no to uninvited callers, obtain three written quotes, use reputable traders and avoid being pressured by “time-limited” offers.

Anyone agreeing to goods or services costing more than £42 following an unsolicited visit should receive written information about their legal 14-day cancellation period. Concerns can be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The new zones add to Cornwall’s growing network of designated areas, with further communities expected to seek similar protection.