ELDERLY people have been offered advice on keeping safe from doorstep crime, as part of a new Police Scotland Lanarkshire campaign.

The campaign will see police work with partners, such as Trading Standards and Crimestoppers, to stop scammers who target their schemes at pensioners and vulnerable people in their own homes.

Operation Monarda will drive home the message of "if in doubt, keep them out" and encourage older people to keep their homes secure and not allow anyone entry to their home without verifying their identity first.

More than 1,000 incidents of doorstep crime have been reported to police across the country between August 1 last year and February 13 2015, with around £400,000 being taken from victims during that period.

The campaign will see the Lanarkshire police division work with partners, such as Trading Standards, to stop scammers who target their schemes at pensioners and vulnerable people in their own homes.

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald and Councillors Jackie Burns and Helen McKenna were among officials who attended yesterday's safety briefing at South Lanarkshire's council hall, in a bid to crack down on criminals who target the elderly.

Chief Superintendent MacDonald said: "This campaign is about raising awareness within communities of this despicable crime and offering simple but effective advice to the public on how to avoid falling victim to it.

"Doorstep crime can affect anyone but we know that the over 60's are particularly vulnerable.

"Bogus callers and rogue traders can be extremely convincing in how they present themselves and win over the confidence of potential victims. "Sadly, many people are convinced by their lies.

"We don't recommend dealing with cold-callers for any form of property maintenance or repair to your home, so if you have any doubts, do not let them into your house."

Depute Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Burns, is determined the operation will stop doorstep thugs.

She said: "Doorstep crime is callous, conniving and carried out by those specifically seeking to target the most vulnerable in our communities. "Such people have no place in a civilised society.

"The message is simple, doorstep crime will not be tolerated in our communities.

"By working together and responding to any reports of suspicious incidents we can - and will - stop these criminals in their tracks and protect those who need it most."

The campaign will also be launched in divisions across the country.