Residents in North Ayrshire are being supplied with door stickers in a bid to deter criminals.

The stickers state that cold callers are not welcome at that home and any traders who ignore the message could be reported to the Procurator Fiscal's Office.

North Ayrshire council hope new initiative will keep uninvited callers away following recent reports of fake workmen gaining access to vulnerable peoples homes.

Cabinet member for economies Councillor Alex Gallagher said: "Cold callers target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

"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."