Task force launched to tackle bogus caller crime in Hamilton area

May 6 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A TASK force has been launched to tackle bogus caller crime in the Hamilton area.

Over the last two years, 298 bogus caller crimes have been reported to the police in the South Lanarkshire area, with the victims of these crimes often elderly, infirm or vulnerable people.

Now police, trading standards, the council’s housing department and the procurator fiscal service have joined forces to crack down on those who deliberately target vulnerable members of the community.

The taskforce was officially launched at the council headquarters in Hamilton’s Almada Street last Tuesday.

Most bogus caller crimes often go unreported for many reasons including fear, shame or the victim being unaware that a crime has taken place.

Help the Aged estimate that 90 per cent of bogus caller crime goes unreported, meaning that the problem is far more significant than previously thought.

It is hoped the formation of the taskforce will allow greater sharing of information among the partner agencies and that gathering intelligence on known offenders operating in specific areas will lead to their disruption.

Education is the key to the initiative and awareness training will be given to community wardens and other third parties such as caretakers and concierges.

More 3000 householders have been given a ‘Doorstep Crime - Don't Be A Victim’ information pack.

The taskforce will engage in specific enforcement days of action, with partners from Scottish Scambusters, HM Customs and Excise and others, to detect, deter and disrupt offenders in hot spot areas where bogus caller crime has previously taken place.

South Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Tim Love, based at Hamilton Police Office, said: “Bogus caller crime is one of the most despicable crimes that can be committed.

“To deliberately target the most vulnerable members of society is deplorable. By the formation of this taskforce, we hope to detect those who carry out these crimes and bring them to justice.”

Alison Moore, of South Lanarkshire Council's Anti-social Behaviour team, said: “The council are committed to assisting Strathclyde Police in dealing with these types of crime to ensure that people working and living in South Lanarkshire feel safe and comfortable in their own homes and communities.”

Jim Sinclair, Divisional Trading Standards Officer, added “Adopting a partnership, intelligence-led approach to tackling the issues associated with bogus crime will highlight key and repeat offenders and potential suspects. Organisations will be in a better position to proactively target criminals and protect potential victims.”

Principle Depute BIll Andrews said: “The Procurator Fiscal will work closely with our criminal justice partners to robustly deal with this type of crime, which is often committed against vulnerable members of the community.

“We will provide victims with support where the matter proceeds to trial.”

Police say that if someone calls at your door that you are not expecting and you do not know them, then don't let them into your home.

Anyone who would like to report any suspicious activity should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300.