Police pledge more patrols in crackdown on bogus workmen

Police in Perth have launched a crackdown on crooked tradesmen after pensioners in the city were tricked into handing over thousands of pounds for shoddy and unfinished work.

The doorstep crime initiative will focus on the Oakbank and Craigie areas where unscrupulous cold-callers are known to be targeting.

Constable Darija Vaughan, who is helping coordinate the campaign, said police were bracing themselves for complaints about bogus workmen over the summer.

The campaign will involve increased patrols in residential areas, as well as working with trading standards teams and local businesses.

“Every year we receive complaints from householders who have been left out of pocket due to so-called workmen who vanished, leaving jobs half-done or badly finished, typically having received a large cash sum in advance,” said the constable.

In some cases, salesmen have talked their way inside their victim’s home and made off with their personal belongings.

Residents have been asked to always check for ID and not to let any casual callers indoors.

Louis Flood. PCs Darija Vaughan and Craig Smith will coordinate the campaign.