LOTHIAN and Borders Police and their partners are today carrying out a multi-agency enforcement day as part of an ongoing campaign to target doorstep crime in West Lothian.
Local officers will join representatives from organisations including SEPA, Trading Standards and VOSA for the initiative, which aims to identify bogus callers and rogue traders operating within the county.
The agencies will monitor the main arterial routes through West Lothian and carry out regular and random checks on vehicles and individuals passing through the area.
Police will carry out random searches
An inspection area has been set-up within the car park of the TESCO supermarket in Bathgate and anyone who comes to the attention of the participating organisations during the operation will be subject to a number of various checks.
Police will also provide a presence within the store to engage with local shoppers and offer information on identifying doorstep criminals as well as issuing advice on how to prevent falling victim to bogus callers or rogue traders.
Justice Minister, Kenny MacAskill will be in attendance to speak with the respective agencies and discuss the issue of doorstep crime and how it can be addressed.
Superintendent Graham Jones said: “Doorstep criminals prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities and their actions can have a devastating impact for their victims.
“Today’s activity demonstrates the zero-tolerance approach Lothian and Borders Police and our partners take when dealing with bogus callers and rogue traders and should send a clear message to criminals operating within West Lothian that we are committed to bringing them to justice.
“This campaign, however, is as much about prevention as it is about detection of crime and so local officers will be available to discuss any concerns the public have relating to doorstep crime in their area.
“Anyone who would like further crime prevention advice should contact their local policing team.”
