A NEW system of alerts for residents has gone live to help police get information to those who need it.

Together with trading standards at West Dunbartonshire Council, Police Scotland are piloting the new community system in two areas: Silverton in Dumbarton and Parkhall in Clydebank.

For those who sign up for text or email alerts, they will get targeted information, such as reports of thefts in the area or doorstep crime.

Just last week, a man appeared at the door of an 82-year-old woman in Roman Crescent, Old Kilpatrick, offering gardening services, took money from her and left without finishing the work.

The suspect in the incident around 1pm on June 19 is described as 6'3", stocky, with brown hair, an Irish accent, wearing dark trousers, work boots and a light-coloured top. He is believed to have been driving a black car.

West Dunbartonshire Community Watch will share information on the methods and tricks used by would-be doorstep criminals to prevent anyone else falling victim to their scams. Doorstep crime can also include rogue traders, thieves who distract a homeowner while a parter takes items or even unscrupulous sales people.

Residents can sign up but so too can relatives of locals in Silverton and Parkhall to ensure the information gets where it is needed.

Inspector David Quinn said: "We use social media to connect with people but this is to connect with them directly. There is the benefit of social media without people having to be social media users - it's far more focused.

"This allows us to get to people who have signed up because they want the information, rather than posting information and it not getting to those who need it.

"I would also encourage the family and friends of those residents who don’t have access to email or mobile phones to register on their behalf so they can provide them with information on any alerts that are sent out.

"The community policing teams across West Dunbartonshire will continue to work with our partners to tackle doorstep crime and if anyone has concerns about security or safety, I would urge them to contact us on 101 for advice."

Posters about the scheme went up in local churches at the weekend and residents can now sign up at www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk or with freepost forms being delivered to homes in Silverton and Parkhall.

It is hoped the Community Watch will gradually expand to other areas of West Dunbartonshire, added Insp Quinn.

Silverton and Parkhall were chosen first because they were established "cold call control zones".

Kirsten Halliday, from Trading Standards, said: “West Dunbartonshire Community Watch is a proactive approach to safeguarding our residents against the actions of doorstep criminals by sharing updates and information on which scams have been seen in the local area or further afield.

"Armed with this information, people will know exactly what to look out for. It will also give people a simple way to report instances of attempted doorstep crime and help us to know more about these criminals and their methods.”

The community watch helpline is also available for residents on 01389 772048.