POLICE in Peebles have launched a new campaign to stop doorstep crime across the area.

The move aims to help protect older residents in the town following recent reports in the Peeblesshire News of a local pensioner who was conned out of £20,000 by telephone fraudsters.

Speaking at the recent Peebles Community Council meeting PC Sorrell said: “Police Scotland have launched our new campaign ‘Beat Doorstep Crime’ to offer tips and advice to residents in Peebles. 

“On the leaflets we are handing out, we have three top tips: Think, Secure and Question to stop bogus callers and rogue traders. 

“We also have plans to roll out a Nominated Neighbour scheme for elderly folks across Peebles, where if they are suspicious of a doorstep caller, they can ask a neighbour to speak on their behalf.

“Doorstep callers are a problem in the area, and we’ll be going round the community to promote the campaign. Among the main messages we need to be telling residents, is that if you need works done to your home, you will go to the person, rather than the person coming to you.

“These scammers are very clever at manipulating elderly people. 

“We need to do all we can to help them.”

The three main tips for residents are... Think: Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly, be aware of methods used by criminals to distract you, such as asking to use the telephone, toilet or to check water or gas supplies.

Secure: Use a door chain or bar. Always put the chain on before opening the door and keep it on while talking to callers.

Question: If you answer the door, ask for ID, whether you expect anyone or not. Remember that IDs can be faked and shouldn’t be relied upon.

Obtain a written quote before agreeing to have any work completed.
Residents are urged to contact the police immediately on 999 if they feel threatened, unsafe of suspicious of a caller. 

For more advice on doorstep crime, call 101 or visit http://www.scotland.police.uk