Sticking together to beat cold callers

Jun 24 2009 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

THE North Lanarkshire Bogus Caller Task Force outlined their next step for protecting citizens against cold callers in a recent presentation at Motherwell Civic Centre.

The new initiative will allow residents to say “no” to unwanted callers – before their doorbell even rings.

Stickers designed to discourage cold callers are being distributed to residents across North Lanarkshire via council First Stop Shops, consumer advice centres and local police stations.

The stickers advise: “No Cold Calling. We do not buy or sell at this door” and the Task Force hope residents will see the benefit of the stickers and display them accordingly.

Constable Dougie Denholm of Wishaw Police, who delivered part of the presentation, said: “The launch of the stickers will encourage people to use them in an attempt to dissuade bogus workers from calling at their door.

“The onus is on the individual to decide to display the stickers rather than the introduction of a blanket no cold calling zone. This gives residents the choice and means that it won’t just be the elderly and vulnerable who are displaying the stickers.”