Whether it’s garden work, painting, fixing broken tiles on the roof, the list of work is endless. However, the good weather also sees an increase in the amount of bogus callers and fraudsters looking to exploit homeowners.

With this, police in the area have launched a campaign targeting doorstep crime. Along with Trading Standards officers, the Scotland wide campaign launched last Monday (April 7) and is concerned with stamping out two main types of offence.

That will see officers focus on bogus callers and rogue traders, both of which can have a devastating effect on victims.

Area Inspector Neil Smith said: “Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware the over 60s can often be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability. Those who commit such crimes are cunning, creative, and extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies they create.” The campaign will run till April 18, but police will continue to monitor such crime throughout the year.

Last year’s campaign was said to be successful and to coincide with the media campaign and increased police presence, there will be a leafleting campaign highlighting the ‘eight steps’ residents are to apply when dealing with workmen who appear at their doorstep.

These steps are encouraged as a means of ensuring safety in the home and that home owners, especially the elderly, do not fall victim to such crime.

Speaking at last week’s Dumbarton East and Central Community Council meeting, Sergeant Craig Taylor said such crime becomes more prevalent at this time of year.

He added: “It creeps up when people start thinking about doing stuff to their house because of the better weather – this is when we will find more fraudsters.” To assist, Police Scotland has launched the Nominated Neighbour scheme, aimed at fostering local support for those who choose not to 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.