POLICE officers in Clydebank have been campaigning to warn residents that anyone can become a victim of bogus callers.

Between April and September 2018, more than £700,000 was taken from Scottish householders through 249 cases of doorstep and bogus crime.

Police Scotland launched a campaign last week – Shut Out Scammers – to raise awareness of offenders who cold-call people at their homes and scam them out of money.

On January 31 this year, an 89-year-old pensioner was robbed of a four-figure sum by a bogus caller at her Milton Mains Court home.

And days later on February 5, a 67-year-old man was also robbed of a four-figure-sum at Whin Street, Kilbowie.

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Road checks in Clydebank were carried out on Monday, April 15, and 37 vehicles were stopped.

More than 20 HMRC checks were carried out, six businesses were offered advice on consumer protection rights, six immediate notices were served for various vehicle failures and one driver was arrested for alleged drink driving.

Officers also attended Clydebank Shopping Centre as part of a roadshow to promote the campaign and offer advice on how to prevent doorstep crime happening.

Half of victims are said to be vulnerable, but officers are warning that all householders can be targeted by fraudsters.

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, who leads Safer Communities, said: “Nobody is immune to this kind of crime. It is incredibly invasive, and victims often feel embarrassed about being deceived.

“We take doorstep crime very seriously and understand the significant impact it has on victims. It is vital that people report crimes to us when they happen.

“Our campaign will help us stop more members of our communities being targeted by those intent on defrauding them of cash or gaining access to their homes.”

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Police Scotland is working with a number of partners including Citizens Advice Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Alert and Trading Standards Scotland in order to signpost the public to relevant prevention advice and support services.

Chief Superintendent McKenzie added: “There is no specific look to a bogus caller or rogue trader. Be alert and if you have any concerns at all, do not allow an individual entry to your home, or provide them with any form of payment and do not hesitate to phone the police immediately on 101 or in an emergency on 999.

“Always ask for ID and only let callers in if they have an appointment and you know that they are genuine.”

For more information visit scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/Shut-Out-Scammers.