Beware the annual summer boom in doorstep crime

With summer fast approaching, Rutherglen and Cambuslang police are urging the public to be vigilant to potential doorstep crime.

Common doorstep scams include someone knocking on your door pretending to be a trader, offering to undertake work on your home/garden or posing as a charity collector or someone that needs your help.

These callers will often use distraction techniques or be pushy while speaking to you. If you are not expecting any callers peep holes/overlooking windows or door chains are a good way to identify the caller.

Never be afraid to ask to see ID badges.

Legitimate workers will not have an issue with this request. If the person states they are from your gas/electric/ telephone company phone the number on your utility bill to confirm this.

You can also set up a password with the company in the event a representative attends your home.

Rogue-traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers offering to sell services, make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway.

In reality they charge inflated prices for sub-standard or unnecessary work. They may tell you work is urgent and needs to be carried out immediately and ask for payment there and then. They may offer to come to the bank with you if you do not have cash at hand.

We do not recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and home repairs.

PC Lucie Black from Rutherglen and Cambuslang safer communities department, said: “As we approach the spring and summer, we are urging the public to be vigilant to cold callers offering services and goods for sale.

“Do not feel pressured into making on the spot decisions about goods and services offered for sale. Take your time to check credentials to satisfy yourself that they are a legitimate business with a good reputation.”

Any suspicious persons or activity, in relation to doorstep crime should be reported to police as soon as possible by calling 101. South Lanarkshire Trading Standards department can be contacted for advice on approved traders.