A SERIAL bogus caller was today behind bars after a police crackdown on doorstep crime.

Brian Khan, from Hamilton, was jailed for five years for a range of offences, including deliberately targeting pensioners.

He was arrested as part of Operation Doric, which saw teams of officers in Lanarkshire target bogus callers.

The 21-year-old managed to con a 78-year-old woman out of £15,000 between October 2012 and May 2013.

He told the pensioner, who lives in Cumbernauld, that she needed loose tiles repaired.

He also stole more than £2000 from an 85-year-old widower in Cumbernauld.

Khan then went on to steal more than £1000 from an 82-year-old woman in Bellshill by claiming that she had a leaking gutter which needed repaired.

Khan is one of 343 people arrested for doorstep crime offences in Lanarkshire since January 2013.

Police believed more than £660,000 has been stolen during that time.

Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson, who led Operation Doric, said: "Doorstep crime is one of the worst crimes that someone can commit.

"The deliberate targeting of elderly and vulnerable people, to extort and defraud them of money is abhorrent.

"This type of crime is prevalent all year round, however, we do seem to see an increase in the spring and summer months.

"Those who commit these types of crimes are deplorable individuals who have no regard for the misery and fear they cause the people they target.

Khan plead not guilty to three charges of fraud when he appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

However, he was found guilty of all three charges and jailed in June.

DI Jamieson added: "I would urge anyone who has an elderly or vulnerable people in their families to remind them to be on their guard.

"If someone attends at your door, and you are not expecting them, you do not have to allow them entry.

"If they claim to be from a legitimate company, such as a utility company, you do not have to let them access your home.

"Look up the telephone number for the relevant company and call them to check if their visit is legitimate.

"Most companies will be happy to wait whilst you do this.

"If someone comes to your door asking if you need work done to your home, or if they claim you need repairs done to your home, do not allow them entry.

"A lot of these fraudsters can appear to be legitimate, but be wary and do not be afraid to say no."