Police set up a roadblock Renton and other locations on Friday and pulled over vans in a bid to weed out unscrupulous rogue traders.

They stopped dozens vehicles during the week-long campaign, part of nationwide scheme Operation Monarda – Beat Doorstep Crime which finished on Sunday.

The crackdown follows an incident in Lamont Crescent, Renton, where an 82-year-old woman had her handbag stolen by a bogus caller.

She answered the door at about noon on March 20 to a man pretending to be from Lomond Care and Repair Services.

Police said the man distracted her during conversation and then made off with her handbag.

The bogus caller is described as aged around 25, 5ft 10in tall, and overweight with short, dark hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a red and blue checked shirt.

Police said staff from Lomond Care and Repair Services will always wear uniform and carry identification, and asking for photo identification can help separate fake callers from genuine.

Inspector Neil Smith told the Reporter: “The term doorstep crime covers a range of incidents from bogus callers to rogue traders. Bogus callers try to get into your home by pretending to be someone they’re not, including council staff, meter readers, or even police officers. In reality, they are crooks trying to steal cash and valuables. Rogue traders claim to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality, they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.

“These criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing. Anyone may fall victim although the over 60s are often specifically targeted due to their perceived vulnerability. There are some basic precautions which everyone can follow to prevent these types of crimes.

“I would ask the public to be on their guard if someone turns up unexpectedly. Genuine callers tend to make appointments first. Use a door chain or bar and always put the chain on before opening the door. Keep it on while talking to callers. “Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful. If you don’t have a door chain, get one fitted.

“Ask for ID from anyone who comes to your door, whether you expect them or not. Genuine callers will carry company photo ID and show it when you ask. Keep the door chained while you inspect their ID. If the caller is unexpected, ring their office to confirm their identity. Don’t use the number on their ID card, look it up in the telephone directory or a recent bill. Genuine callers won’t mind waiting. Don’t assume a caller is genuine simply because they are wearing a uniform. If you have any doubts, tell the caller to come back when someone else is home. Genuine callers won’t mind rearranging.

“If you feel threatened, unsafe, or suspicious of a caller, contact the police immediately on 999. If you see something suspicious in your area, or want more advice about doorstep crime, contact the police on 101. Try and take a note of vehicle details or registration numbers, and descriptions of anyone suspicious.

If you would prefer to report the matter anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”