A NEW campaign has been launched to help beat bogus callers and rogue traders in Irvine and Kilwinning.

Police Scotland and partners including Trading Standards Officers have this week begun a crackdown on so-called ‘doorstep crime’, which can have a devastating effect if you fall victim to it.

Commenting on the national initiative, Chief Inspector Martyn Hopkins said: “Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware that in particular the over 60’s can be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability.

“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies these criminals create.

“We know that there is a significant amount of underreporting of this crime type, with individuals either not being aware that they have been subject to a crime, or feel embarrassed to tell someone.

“Police Scotland and all our partner agencies hope that this campaign will increase awareness amongst communities of this despicable crime and give confidence in being able to deal with those who cold-call at their door.” To assist with this, Police Scotland has launched the ‘Nominated Neighbour Scheme’, which aims to foster local support for those who choose to not answer their door to cold-callers.

Further information on this scheme can be found on the Police Scotland website or by calling your local Community Policing team on 101.

You can also contact the police on Twitter  and Facebook, or phone Crimestoppers to pass on information about crime anonymously on 0800 555 111.