Police organise Dumbarton walkabout after bogus caller incident

Officials decided to act after a pensioner had a four-figure sum stolen from his Willox Park home on January 24.

Councillor Karen Conaghan, as well as representatives from sheltered housing, trading standards and housing coordinator Scott McLelland also took part.

The walkabout was organised in a bid to make residents more aware of the level some criminals will stoop to in a bid steal from elderly and vulnerable members of the community.

Last month's 73-year-old victim was preyed upon after a man gained access to his home on the pretence of checking windows.

And there have been a number of similar incidents recently across West Dunbartonshire.

Local police inspector Mo Boyle said: “I am very grateful to everyone who came along at very short notice to this partner’s meeting today.

"We are all very committed to preventing this sort of incident from happening again.

"Detective Inspector Ross and his team are leaving no stone unturned to identify the person responsible for this despicable crime and he was able to provide the group with information which helped us to make plans, with the immediate focus on improving the safety and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our community."

Inspector Boyle told the Reporter she intends to go out to community meetings in order to get the help and support of local people.

She added: “There’s a strong desire to stamp out this sort of crime in West Dunbartonshire and we can all play a part in making our communities safer.

"We will continue to provide updates on our activity and in the coming weeks, we will be reaching out again to the local community for their support."

“In the meantime I would appeal again to anyone who has information about this incident to get in touch with us by phoning 101 and quoting incident number 1314 of January 29.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously please get in touch. In an emergency always phone 999.”

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