DOOR-TO-DOOR salesmen who fail to comply with the law are being warned that they face tough action from north Cotswolds police.

Any unsolicited callers to houses in the area face prosecution or arrest if they go door-to-door without first obtaining a pedlar's certificate from the police.

Sgt Martin Jones of the North Cotswolds Safer Community Team said that in the past month three salesmen had been arrested in Bourton for selling door-to-door without a certificate. Two were cautioned and one was charged and bailed to appear in court.

Two further salesmen operating in the area have been sent packing.

Sgt Jones said that in response to concerns from the area's new police community panels, No Cold Calling zones have been set up across the north Cotswolds to reduce the risk of distraction burglaries.

Distraction burglars often target elderly residents, cold calling at homes evidently occupied by older people, said Sgt Jones.

"Using partnerships with the housing association, care workers, district council and local neighbour- hood watch members we approached residents in these areas to set up No Cold Calling areas.

"The increased awareness of a need to check all callers at their addresses and the information on how to report any cold callers has led to an increase in calls on possible cold callers in the area," he added.

The No Cold Calling areas in the north Cotswolds are: Bartletts Park, Chamberlayne Close, Chamberlayne House, Fisher Close and The Park in Stow; Cotsmore Close, Evenlode Gardens, Evenlode Road, Wellington Road and Jameson Court in Moreton; Springvale and Melville in Bourton; and Ley Orchard in Willersey.

Sgt Jones said: "We have now set up six additional schemes in Bourton, Chipping Campden, Willersey and Northleach. More schemes are planned for 2008."