Cold callers are being warned to stay clear of an area of the city after a No Cold Calling Zone was launched.

Police in Lakenham are warning them to stay away after a scheme was set up in Old School Court - an area that has previously seen people suffer at the hands of bogus callers.

Officers from the Lakenham and Tuckswood Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) worked in partnership with Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards team to create the zone after concerns were raised from those living in the area.

There had been reports of a number of cold calling incidents in the Bracondale area last year, including one where a man walked into the home of an 85-year-old woman offering window cleaning services before leaving the address after being challenged.

This was linked to a series of distraction burglaries in the Bowthorpe, Earlham and Lakenham areas and following an investigation a 34-year-old man was convicted of the offences and jailed for six years.

Now around 30 houses in the semi-sheltered housing complex have signed up to the scheme.

PCSO Joanna Longstaff said: 'The visible presence of a No Cold Calling Zone helps deter potential cold callers and also shows communities are willing to work together to reduce crime.

'Residents have been given advice on what to do if they are visited by bogus callers and as a result feel reassured and more confident about their home security.'

Brenda Rutt, 65, has lived in Old School Road for five years and welcomed the introduction of the scheme.

She said: 'We're pleased the scheme is in place and I think it will make residents feel a lot safer as you can never be sure who is knocking on your door.'

There are nearly 100 No Cold Calling Zones across the county. Norfolk Trading Standards also offers a Norfolk Trusted Trader Service where traders are rated.

•For more information about the zones visit www.norfolk.gov.uk or to see the Trusted Trader Service visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader or call 0344 800 8020.

•Anyone wanting to report incidents of suspicious activity should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567, or in an emergency 999.

•Have you been the victim of bogus callers? Call Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk