Police to home in on bogus caller menace

Apr 7 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE have launched a blitz on bogus callers who target the Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston areas.

Backed by their key partners at South Lanarkshire Council's Trading Standards and housing departments, the Strathclyde Police initiative will specifically crack down on bogus caller crime which targets vulnerable members of the community, who are often seen as a soft touch.

Figures revealed this week show that 298 bogus caller crimes were reported to police in South Lanarkshire between 2008 and 2010.

Most of the victims were elderly, infirm or vulnerable.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said this week: “Many 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 a massive 90 per cent of bogus caller crime goes unreported, meaning that the problem is far more significant than previously thought.”

The main aim of the initiative is to allow greater sharing of information between cops and Trading Standards.

Police believe that gathering intelligence on known offenders operating in specific areas will lead to their disruption.

Awareness training will be given to community wardens and other third parties, such as caretakers and concierges.

To support and educate, householders and sheltered housing tenants will be given a 'Doorstep Crime - Don't Be A Victim' information pack.

Inspector Andy Munro, Community Inspector for Blantyre, said this week: “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.

“During this initiative, we hope to educate our most vulnerable members of the community so that they can protect themselves against those who target them, either at their door or on the telephone.”

Last month, the Advertiser reported how an 80-year-old Earnock man was conned out of £1900 by a gang of bogus workmen at his home in Lomond View.

However, following a public appeal, officers are following a positive lead in this incident.

Detective Constable Edward Mather, leading the investigation, said: “We are currently following a positive line of enquiry.

“However, we would urge anyone in the community who may have further information on this incident to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

l If you or anyone you know would like to report any suspicious bogus caller activity, please contact your local police office or speak to your local community police officer.

It would be helpful to the police if you can remember details of the caller's appearance and any information they gave you.

Also, if the caller claimed to be from a company, what was the name?

This information will be used by the police in checking the identity of the caller.