Police are warning residents in the Greater Glasgow area to be on their guard against bogus callers in the run up to the summer season.

Officers are reminding people that if someone turns up unexpectedly at their home, whether offering to carry out work, selling something or claiming to be from one of the utility services, residents can always ask for identification, call the company to verify the visit or simply refuse entry.

Chief Inspector David Pettigrew, Safer Communities, said: "In the last six months, the number of bogus caller crimes in the Greater Glasgow area has fallen by 64%.  There have been 27 bogus caller crimes reported to police compared to 76 recorded for the same period last year. 

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"Bogus callers can take on a variety of different aliases to try and get through the door. They are very convincing and it's not always obvious who they are.  Our advice would be if in doubt, keep them out.

"Not everyone who comes to your door is up to something.  Genuine callers will not mind if you check their ID or call their office to confirm who they are.

"Although anyone can be a target, older people are who these criminals tend to target most because of a perceived vulnerability and it can have a hugely detrimental effect on the life of victims."

For more information on how to tackle doorstep crime, visit here.

(LM)