Published on:
26
October 2012
Clackmannanshire Doorstep Crime DVD was launched on Thursday, 25th October.
The new DVD was launched at Parklands, Alva, by The Clackmannanshire Doorstep Crime Partnership, which was set up in 2010 consisting of a number of agencies including Trading Standards, Central Scotland Police, Signpost Recovery, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and a number of Community Councils.
The Partnership was set up due to an increasing number of incidents where consumers were targeted in their own homes by criminals in the guise of roofers, builders, tree surgeons and many other types of traders who may cold call.
At the same time it was revealed that there was a rise in the number of scam mailings/emails and telephone calls that consumers were receiving.
Officially launching the DVD, Clackmannanshire Council's Convener of Enterprise and Environment, Councillor Donald Balsillie, said: "The Doorstep Crime Initiative is important for all our communities because it addresses a growing area of crime which hits the elderly and vulnerable.
"The DVD is designed to be used as a training tool as well as raising awareness of doorstep crime. "
At the launch people were asked to be identified and to attend a training session. At the training session each person will get their own copy of the DVD so that they can cascade the information down to people who come into direct contact with the elderly and vulnerable.
A Central Scotland Police spokesperson said: "Communities throughout Forth Valley are unfortunately being targeted by bogus workman, seeking to do shoddy work at exorbitant costs. It is recognised that they target the most vulnerable members of our communities. The Clackmannanshire Doorstep Crime Partnership have identified the need to better inform communities to assist them in tackling such approaches.
"The DVD offers guidance on what techniques are used to deceive householders but more importantly how to deter them and defend your household. The partnership needs as many people as possible to spread the word and use the DVD to promote the message to the most vulnerable groups.
"The impact doorstep crime can have on families should not be underestimated and the police, along with our partners will make every effort to tackle this issue. "