AGENCIES have joined forces as part of a crackdown on bogus callers.

North Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland and Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire have renewed their partnership to tackle doorstep crime.

They hope to raise awareness to help protect vulnerable people as well as share intelligence to target criminals.

The most common types of doorstep crime involve bogus workmen carrying out unnecessary or poor quality work at inflated prices, or one person distracting the householder at the door while another enters the house to steal property or money.

Most victims of doorstep crime are elderly or vulnerable people living alone.

Councillor Michael McPake said: “Doorstep crime is a priority for the council’s Trading Standards team.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of residents being conned out of their savings by criminals who deliberately pick on the most vulnerable in our communities, so we work closely with Police Scotland to identify and prosecute those responsible.”

A pack is available to residents providing information on how to stay safe and avoid scams, advice on finding reputable tradespeople and who to contact with any concerns.

Through Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire’s community alarm service, residents can also alert the police about any doorstep crime incident.

Trading Standards and Police officers also work with local banks, providing advice to staff to be aware of elderly customers removing large sums of money at short notice. Rogue traders will often offer to take people to the bank to get cash for the work, then disappear before the work is complete.

Local Police Commander Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine said “Police Scotland Lanarkshire Division continue to work in partnership with our community planning partners including North Lanarkshire Council, Trading Standards and the private sector, to provide additional education, advice and support on bogus crime.

“Working collaboratively allows a joint approach to identify people involved in such despicable crimes, who often target the most vulnerable members of our communities. We continue to share information and intelligence to pursue robust enforcement action against perpetrators of doorstep crime.

“We want people in our communities to feel safe, secure and happy in their own homes.”

Anyone concerned about an incident of doorstep crime should contact Police Scotland on 101 or the council’s Trading Standards team on 01236 856361.

The council provides a small repairs service for homeowners of pensionable age or who have a disability, as well as a handyperson service for everyone of pensionable age, regardless of whether they own their own home or not. Contact these services on 0330 303 0301.

Advice on finding reputable tradespeople is available from the Citizens Advice Scotland consumer helpline on 03454 040506.