Being prepared for the bogus callers
Police with guns had been patrolling the streets of Perth in the wake of the Manchester attack but before the terror level was reduced
Perth police say this is the time of year that bogus callers and dodgy workmen are more common. They have provided tips to help protect yourself house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.
●We DO NOT recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and home repairs. How can I spot a Rogue Trader? ●They may tell you the work is urgent and needs to be carried out immediately.
●They will normally ask for payment there and then and may offer to come to the bank with you if you don’t have the cash at hand. What can I do? Stop!
Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly.
Always put the chain on before opening the door.
Keep it on while talking to callers.
Don’t feel embarrassed genuine callers expect you to be careful.
●If you don’t have a door chain, check from the nearest window. Remember, door chains can be easily fitted.
●If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.
Recent incidents Between Friday 12 and Monday, May 15 a trampoline, canvas chair and a barbecue cover were set alight in a garden on Burghmuir Road, Perth causing extensive damage to all three items.
●A garden shed was broken into on Wednesday, May 17 in Campsie Road, Perth and a silver and blue Giant Mountain bike was stolen.
●A silver and red Diamondback mountain bike was stolen from outside Bells Sports Centre, Hay Street, Perth about 8.50pm on Thursday, May 18.
A thief attempted to break into Mobile Solutions, High Street, Perth about 3.30am on Tuesday, May 16.
Between 4pm on Tuesday 16 and 8.30am on Wednesday, May 17 a container was broken into at the Perth and Kinross Council Depot, Wellshill, Perth and gardening equipment was stolen.
Between 3pm on Monday, May 22 and 8am on Tuesday, May 23 a silver Vauxhall Astra was broken into in Breadalbane Terrace, Perth.
●Overnight on Tuesday, May 16 the construction site adjacent to McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, Perth was targeted by vandals and damage was caused to plant machinery on the site.
●Overnight on Thursday, May 18 the Fit For Less premises in Canal Street, Perth were entered and a quantity of money was stolen.
●A gate and wall were damaged near Countlaw House, Balmoral Road, Rattray between May 19 and 21.
●Overnight on Saturday, May 20 several coping stones were damaged after being knocked off a garden wall in Coralbank, Rattray.
●On Tuesday, May 16 a cottage at Mylnefield, Invergowrie was broken into and property was stolen.
Police in Crieff are looking to trace a male and female involved in smashing a window and stealing a bowl at Strathearn Gallery, West High Street, Crieff about 10.30pm on Wednesday, May 17.
Anyone with information on any of the crimes is asked to contact police on 101 or they can speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.