The operation was carried out last Thursday to target crooks who prey on the vulnerable with sick scams and general road safety issues in Johnstone and Renfrew.

Rogue traders, illegal drivers and drug offenders were among the criminals to be targeted by high-visibility police following a similar operation last year.

During the crackdown, led by Johnstone Inspector Steven Espie, a total of 95 vehicles were stopped with a variety of offences detected including one motorist being found to have no insurance — resulting in their car being seized.

Two men, aged 23 and 26, were arrested and reported to the procurator fiscal after being found in possession of £300 worth of cannabis.

Seven conditional offer tickets were also issued for tyre and construction and use offences, and one motorist was found to have no MOT. Two defect notices were also issued by police.

Overall, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency issued nine vehicle prohibition notices, with five being so dangerous the vehicles were banned immediately.

Inspector Espie, who devised the operation, said: “Thursday’s operation was primarily focused on persons using the road network who are engaged in dishonest activities and those involved in bogus crimes.

“We know that criminals use the road network extensively and travel between communities preying on victims. Such criminals are also involved in thefts, particularly of metal and other valuable materials and we will continue to work in partnership with other agencies to detect such persons and take enforcement action.

“During the operation Renfrewshire Council Trading Standards identified 20 companies / businesses that raised concerns over complying with business legislation and will be subject to further enquiries.

He added: “Overall, this was a successful operation to tackle those who may be involved in bogus crimes and improved road safety by detecting and removing unroadworthy and dangerous vehicles.” The Gazette reported previously how towns Johnstone and Renfrew have been repeatedly targeted by unscrupulous bogus callers and crimes carried out by fake workmen.

Such crimes can have a devastating effect on their victims and can often result in elderly people parting with large quantities of cash for either sub-standard work or work that is not carried out at all.

In one of most brazen reports of bogus callers, featured in our newspaper in February last year, a man approached a house in Renfrew where roofing work had recently been completed, claiming to be from the company who carried out the work.

He said he was there to check the repairs which had previously been carried out were still up to scratch, and the homeowner let them in.

The man told the homeowner that further work was required and returned to carry out the work over a three-day period.

The crooks walked away with a three-figure sum for the con.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that you should never agree to work or hand over monies to any persons who attend at your door without prior notice,” Inspector Espie continued.

“You should seek to establish that any company or business that you may agree to undertake any work for you is legitimate and complies with the relevant legislation and guidance.

“As you will be aware, experience has shown that such persons travel within communities and use the road network to target victims.

“Local community policing officers supported by motor cycle patrol officers carried out a series of stop check operations throughout the day.

“We were assisted by partner agencies including Renfrewshire Council Trading Standards, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Scottish Power.” Renfrewshire Council deal with 20 trading standards issues surrounding business practices and associated legislation.

Following Thursday’s successful operation, Johnstone Inspector Cassie Glass reported “almost no violent crime” over the course of the weekend.