Police in Midlothian will work alongside partner agencies and local communities this week in an effort to tackle doorstep crime as part of an ongoing national campaign.
Last year, Police Scotland launched Operation Monarda, which targets bogus callers, rogue traders and cold callers operating across the country.
Local officers will carry out a number of events in the area to provide homeowners useful advice on how they can avoid being targeted by scammers as well as offer a contact point where members of the public can raise their concerns.
Police will be conducting Rogue Trader Patrols along with Trading Standards on the 25th and 26th of May throughout Midlothian, as well as providing inputs at vulnerable premises.
Commenting ahead of the week’s activity is Sergeant Michele Lindsay of Police Scotland said: “Doorstep crime is an ongoing problem which impacts on families and homes across Midlothian and Scotland.
“It is an unfortunate fact that many of the victims targeted by bogus callers are elderly and we are committed to doing all we can to trace and arrest those responsible.
“Operation Monarda was set-up to help tackle this issue and to offer advice and assistance to anyone who needs it.
“As part of this effort, Police Scotland in conjunction with its partner agencies will undertake events in Midlothian where members of the public will be provided with crime prevention advice and keeping people safe from doorstep crime.
“In addition, we are working alongside our relevant partners to identify those involved in offences of this nature and bring them to justice.
“We will not tolerate any criminal activity, which deliberately targets the vulnerable members of our communities. Anyone involved in this behaviour can expect to be robustly dealt with by Police Scotland.”
