CROOKS who are selling pensioners rotten fish may be driving a van with a COD licence plate.

The Evening Times revealed how rogue fishmongers have targeted elderly people with their door-to-door scam.

Police today issued a warning about the conmen after they targeted a woman in her late 70s and tricked her into paying hundreds of pounds for rotten fish.

One eyewitness said the suspects were driving a silver van, which had COD in the licence plate.

They also claim the vehicle has a slogan about "fresh fish" on its side.

Police said there have been reports of incidents in Lanarkshire and the suspects are described as speaking with "Newcastle accents."

They are believed to have targeted householders in Hamilton, Bellshill and Lanark.

A Police Scotland statement read: "Rotten fish is being sold to elderly and unsuspecting persons by males with Newcastle accents in Lanarkshire.

"At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, September 29, a lady in her late 70s was charged a three-figure sum for rotting fish."

Officers believe the men are using a van and urged residents to be aware.

An investigation into the dodgy fish deals is continuing and police urged anyone with information to contact officers.

Police Scotland recently launched Operation Monarda, which aims to reduce and prevent doorstep crime and arrest those responsible.

Superintendent Ross Aitken, from Safer Communities, said: "Doorstep crime affects some of the most vulnerable people within our communities, and victims are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.

"It is a despicable crime that all too often has a hugely detrimental effect on the life of victims.

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

"In reality, they charge inflated prices for substandard or unnecessary work."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.