DOORSTEP crime has been the focus of a recent police initiative in Johnstone and Paisley.

Officers, working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, have been deployed in communities to raise awareness of persons who commit doorstep and bogus caller crimes.

Criminals often travel by vehicles so a number of road check operations were also conducted in the Paisley and Hillington areas.

Partner agencies including HMRC, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, British Transport Police and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service were also present to assist officers at the checkpoints which saw vehicles checked to ensure road worthiness and that drivers/traders were complying with legislation.

A number of crimes were detected including using vehicles with no MOT or insurance as well as operating as metal dealers without the appropriate licence.

Inspector Steven Espie who organised the activities said: “Yesterday’s road traffic operation was undertaken to target persons who engage in doorstep and bogus caller crimes and followed on from the awareness activities carried out earlier in the week along with Renfrewshire Council Trading Standards.

“A number of offences were detected, however drivers and traders were also issued with advice to ensure they operate or trade appropriately. “We will continue to utilise all available legislation and undertake such activities to deter and detect those involved in committing doorstep crimes and crimes of dishonesty”.

Anyone with information in relation to persons who commit doorstep or bogus caller crimes can report it to Police Scotland on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.