Police go to war on the doorstep conmen

Week-long campaign aims to protect the vulnerable

Police have carried out a week- long blitz on doorstep crime to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

Officers from Johnstone, Renfrew and the villages teamed up with Trading Standards staff in a major clampdown on bogus callers and rogue traders.

They stopped 70 cars during the initiative, handing out three fixed penalty notices and reporting four people to the procurator fiscal for offences.

Cops also gathered vital intelligence as they bid to build a picture of crooks operating in the area.

Inspector Cassie Glass, based in Johnstone, said: “This type of crime, sadly, is typically aimed at vulnerable members of the community such as the elderly and is completely callous and unacceptable.

“We are working closely with our partner agencies and we are committed to reducing the number of incidents of doorstep crime and keeping vulnerable people safe.

“There are a number of simple steps people can take to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime and I have included this advice in this message.

“I would also urge people to look after their family members, friends and more vulnerable members of our communities.

“This might mean taking a minute to go across to their house to check that all is well if you see a workman or official- looking individual on their doorstep, if you are comfortable doing so and without putting yourself in any difficulty.

“If you have any concerns at all please call police on 101.”

Inspector Glass said the way to help beat doorstep crooks is to spread the safety message with your loved ones.

“It is very important to pass on advice to friends, neighbours or family members who may be more likely to be targeted and provide them with the information and confidence to say no.

“Increasingly, criminals do not have to be present in person and will make contact via the telephone or online, often suggesting that they are from a financial organisation known to the recipient and that there is some immediate action that has to be taken to safeguard savings.

“Of course, the supposed remedial action sees the account holder unwittingly move money to the criminal’s account,” she explained.

Last week a 94-year-old woman was robbed in her own home by thieves posing as plumbers.

Crooks stole a small amount of cash from her house in Blantyre Court, in Erskine, on Wednesday, May 23.

More than 1,000 leaflets were handed out at libraries, community centres and doctor surgeries and officers visited 20 Banks and financial institutions to raise awareness with both customers and staff.

Information and advice on all aspects of keeping safe can be found on the Police Scotland website www. scotland. police. uk or by calling 101.

This type of crime, sadly, is typically aimed at vulnerable members of the community