Herts Police figures reveal there has been no burglaries of this type since the ban was introduced on the private Springwood estate in Northchurch, which is home to people aged 55 and over.

And Hertfordshire Trading Standards said no reports of rogue traders have been received since the scheme started 12 months ago.

Now police are looking into other areas that could benefit from the ban including a location in Tring. However, officers said it is too early to reveal the details.

In Northchurch the scheme was launched after 100 per cent of households that responded to a survey gave support to the initiative.

Dacorum crime prevention office David Mahon said: "The residents had approached the police community support officers at Berkhamsted saying they had concerns about distraction burglaries and they were suffering
with people knocking on their doors trying to sell things."

Although door-to-door selling is not a crime some distraction burglars use it as a way of getting into homes or as a diversion while an accomplice gains access.

Mr Mahon said: "We all know that elderly people are more vulnerable and they are easy targets for this type of offence."

Northchurch Parish Council chairman Alan Fantham, who backed the launch of the zone, said he has had no complaints about cold calling since the ban started.

"As far as I'm concerned it has been a success," he said.

Mr Mahon said: "PCSOs have said most of the residents are very happy and the ban has greatly reduced the number of people knocking on doors trying to sell things."

If someone ignores the ban then they may be reported to Trading Standards who will then contact the business or individual.