North Ayrshire Council has launched a new initiative to crack down on bogus workmen.

Residents are being encouraged to pick up new door stickers which will act as a deterrant, as well as making it clear that any traders who ignore the message could be reported to the Procurator Fiscal’s Office.

Trading standards are offering stickers to everyone in North Ayrshire. In return, they are asking to be informed of anyone knocking doors in North Ayrshire, particularly builders, landscapers or people offering garden tidy, tree felling, gutters, mono-blocking, power washing, roofing, solar power or disabled adaptations.

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Cllr Alex Gallagher said cold callers "target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities".

"They are cold and calculating and utterly devoid of any morals whatsoever," he said.

"A number of our community are isolated and particularly susceptible to this type of crime so we all need to work together to better protect the most vulnerable in our community.

"These door stickers are really helpful. They send a message out to the crooks that we are standing up to them. It also shows them that the residents are prepared to do the same.

"Not only will they act as a deterrent but, if the cold caller ignore the posters, they could face a visit from the Trading Standards and subsequent action.

"No reputable company ignores a sticker that says that the occupier does not conduct business at their door. Only those with criminal intent will ignore that and knock the door."

(LM)