Staffordshire Police

• answer the telephone by saying 'hello', not your name or number
• try to keep calm and not show emotion, many callers will give up if they don't think they are making an impression on you or your feelings
• use an answer machine to screen out calls and only talk to people you want to
• if the caller rings again, put the handset down on a table for a few minutes, the caller will think you're listening. After a few minutes replace the handset, you do not have to listen to what the caller has to say

If you know or find out who is stalking or harassing you:

• do not confront your stalker / harasser or even engage them in conversation
• do not, under any circumstances, agree to a meeting to talk about how you feel about them constantly bothering you
• do not respond in any way to calls, letters, or conversations. If you ignore the phone nine times and pick it up on the tenth, you will send the message that persistence pays. Once they have your attention, they will be encouraged to carry on
• ask friends or solicitors to contact them if you want to get a message to them.