Focus on doorstep crimes

Project partners

Doorstep crime is the focus of a renewed partnership to raise awareness and protect vulnerable people.

North Lana rk s h i re Council, Police Scotland and Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire are again joining forces on the issue, including sharing intelligence to target criminals.

Most victims are elderly or vulnerable people living alone; common crimes see bogus workmen carry out unnecessary or poor-quality work at inflated prices, or one person distracting a householder while another steals property or money.

An information pack on avoiding scams, finding reputable tradespeople and staying safe is available to residents; while those with community alarms can use the service to alert police. Trading standards and police raise banks’ awareness of elderly customers withdrawing large sums at short notice; as rogue traders often offer to take people to the bank to get cash for works which are then not finished.

Glenboig councillor Michael McPake, North Lanarkshire’s infrastructure convener, called the issue a “priority”, saying: “It’s heartbreaking to hear of residents being conned out of savings by criminals who pick on the most vulnerable.”

Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine added: “We want people to feel safe, secure and happy in their homes.

“Working collaboratively allows a joint approach to identify people involved in such despicable crimes, who target the most vulnerable.”

Anyone concerned about a doorstep crime incident should call Police Scotland on 101 or trading standards on 01236 856361.