Introduction - This is a matter that is not only is a nuisance but can cause a great deal of upset particularly for the elderly or people living on their own.  We hope the following tips will be useful to you.

• Always try to keep your doors and windows locked, remember most thieves are opportunist, try not to make it easy for them

• The majority of people that call at your door will be genuine but never feel embarrassed to say to no. Frequently genuine people will knock on your door trying to sell you anything from double-glazing to dusters. Don’t be intimidated; you don’t have to buy anything. Remember also conmen are pretty convincing liars and will say anything to trick their way in to your home.

• Never let anyone in to your home unless you are certain who they are.

• Genuine visitors will always make an appointment first.

• Genuine visitors will carry ID and will not mind being asked to produce it.

• Use a door chain, it will not cause embarrassment and will provide a good deal of comfort,

• Don’t assume that because a caller is wearing a uniform or looks official that they are genuine.

• If you suspect that ID may be false, trying ring the contact details to check the ID.

Dealing with nuisance Telephone calls - These can be very upsetting especially now when telemarketing companies use computers to dial large volumes of numbers thus producing silent calls. These will usually happen throughout the daytime and eventually you may well be connected with the call centre making the call.  Government legislation introduced on 1st May 1999 and updated on 11th December 2003 by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, make it unlawful to make unsolicited telesales/marketing calls to individuals who have expressed their wish not to receive such calls.

Being the subject of nuisance or malicious phone calls can be very upsetting, in a lot of cases the caller will be known to you and may have a grudge against you however slight. Sometimes rejection, jealousy or envy can be the motive but whatever it is you will need to deal with the matter to prevent ongoing upset.

• Answer you phone by saying “ Hello”, never give out personal information.

• Never indicate to a caller that you are about to go out or go on holiday and never leave this information on your answering machine.

• When recording your answering machine message, trying to use a male’s voice, this may help to deter nuisance calls.

• If you are female avoid giving details of your sex or marital status in the phone book

• Never repeat your phone number to a caller, just ask them the number they are wanting.

• When a malicious call is received do not engage or enter in to conversation with the person

• Becoming annoyed or responding with threats is what the caller wants, avoid this at all costs

• Keep calm, almost all nuisance calls a re simply that a nuisance

• You will frustrate the caller by refusing to respond

• Consider placing the receiver down and leaving the room for a while

• Start to keep a log of the times of the calls, you may need to produce this at a later date

• Obtain a phone that displays caller Id, Many nuisance callers overlook this facility.

• If you are worried about calls in the night, switch off the phone or ringer before you go to bed.

• If you are worried about being contacted in the night, obtain a mobile phone and only give the number out to persons you can trust.

• If the calls continue, talk to your telephone company, they will be most sympathetic and will give you helpful advice.

• If you are really worried, call your local police station they will be able to offer advice to you.