A new 'No Cold Calling Zone' has been launched in Mortonhall to safeguard vulnerable members of the community from crime associated with doorstep selling, bogus workmen and distraction thefts.

The City of Edinburgh Council's Trading Standards Service work in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police and Neighbourhood teams to promote this initiative which is intended to combat the menace of bogus callers, high pressure sales people and burglars who operate by distracting householders on the doorstep. This launch is part of the Winter Safety Campaign - a joint initiative between the Council and the Police.

This new location brings the total number of 'No Cold Calling Zones' in Edinburgh up to three. Following successful pilots in Cramond and Portobello, Mortonhall was identified as an area which could benefit. It was selected on the basis of risk and local residents demand.

Following the decision to adopt No Cold Calling Zone status, each resident is given an information pack including a window sticker indicating their refusal to buy goods at the door and signs have gone up in the participating area, indicating that it had chosen to have No Cold Calling Zone status.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader, said: "We need to do everything possible to protect people from certain unscrupulous individuals such as bogus workmen. These zones give residents empowerment to say no when someone comes cold calling and generally deter criminal activity. They also raise awareness of doorstep selling and the possible consequences of it. Elderly and vulnerable members of the community are particularly at risk, and No Cold Calling Zones are an excellent initiative to combat this type of crime and at the same time offer residents reassurance."

Inspector Alun Williams from Lothian and Borders Police said 'No Cold Calling Zones have already shown themselves to be excellent deterrents for bogus callers, and I hope this one will emulate these past successes.

Lothian and Borders Police are delighted to support the City of Edinburgh Council in their endeavours to empower local communities with the choice to say no."