Cold callers are no longer welcome in the Douglas area

An area of Douglas is now out of bounds for uninvited sales people.

Signs have been put up making it clear that door-to-door sellers are not welcome in the no-go zone.

If the "Doorstoppers" project by Dundee City Council and Tayside Police is successful, it will be extended across the city.

Hundreds of householders in the "no cold-calling area" are being offered new locks and door and window stickers.

Sgt John Reekie, of Tayside Police's Crime Reduction Unit, said he hoped the scheme would cut doorstep crime.

These criminals have absolutely no conscience or scruples in carrying out these despicable criminal acts Sgt John Reekie

He said: "The criminals who carry out doorstep crime, which includes bogus calling, distraction theft and phoney trades people, often target the elderly and vulnerable groups in our communities.

"These criminals have absolutely no conscience or scruples in carrying out these despicable criminal acts which have serious consequences not only financially but in older people's health and quality of life.

"It will improve the quality of life for residents, particularly older people in the community, by tackling doorstep crime and aggressive door to door sellers."

Trading standards officer Lynne Law said: "By providing these measures we are generating empowerment back to the community in order to prevent people falling victim to these criminals and to aggressive door selling callers.