Police focus on doorstep crooks
Operation Monarda to be unleashed
A police campaign aimed at dealing with doorstep crime in the Stirling area is being launched next week.
Operation Monarda will begin on Monday with officers targeting individuals known to be involved in this activity while raising awareness of the issues surrounding doorstep crime.
Police say that this time of year typically sees an increase in bogus callers visiting at properties occupied by vulnerable or elderly people.
They often persuade the occupant that building maintenance or gardening work is required and, after they agree to do the work, they request a cash payment.
The work is either never done or done to a very shoddy and cheap standard.
As part of the police campaign, which will be running for one week, officers will be interacting with the vulnerable groups most affected by this type of crime while revisiting previous victims and ensuring appropriate advice is given.
Inspector Gerry McMenemy said: “Operation Monarda brings together public, private and third-sector organisations to help minimise risk and prevent harm to vulnerable and older people from criminals who commit doorstep crime.
“Doorstep crime affects some of the most vulnerable within our society and communities, with victims being targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and many becoming repeat victims.”
The Observer reported last week that officers were hunting a crook who conned a Dunblane man out of a four-figure sum of cash.
The suspect was driving a white Transit van in Newton Crescent at around 11am on Friday May 5 when he engaged his victim in conversation. He offered to carry out work at the man’s home before asking for cash up front for materials. He then took him to a nearby cashpoint to withdraw money.
After obtaining the cash the suspect, who didn’t leave a business card or any details, left without carrying out any work.
More information on the campaign will be posted on Police Scotland’s social media pages. Anyone who has concerns about bogus callers in their area should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.