Police and Moray Council trading standards officers have joined forces to launch a clampdown on rogue traders who prey on some of the region’s most vulnerable people.
Operation Monarda – a campaign designed to prevent people from falling victim to “cruel” conmen who call at their homes – is being rolled out across Scotland.
The drive aims to make householders aware of the methods doorstep criminals use in order to persuade people to part with their money.
Officers will place a special emphasis on providing advice to elderly and vulnerable residents.
Moray Council’s trading standards department pledged the project its backing, with manager Peter Adamson outlining the various ways residents can deter rogue traders.
Mr Adamson said: “Householders can protect themselves by taking simple precautions, and our advice is never to agree to work on the doorstep.
“If people think that work is needed on their property, they should get quotes from two or three traders and ask someone they can trust for a recommendation.”
The local authority’s trading standards team regularly receives complaints relating to cold-calling salesmen, and currently has several ongoing investigations.
These cases involve driveway installations, garden services, roofing work, alarm fittings and general property maintenance.
But Mr Adamson said research has revealed that only one in 10 instances of doorstep crime are reported – and urged people not to suffer in silence.
Chief Inspector Willie Findlay added: “Bogus callers cruelly target vulnerable people who are often unaware a crime has been committed or are too embarrassed to go to the police.
“We want to encourage victims of this deplorable crime to come forward in confidence that we will thoroughly investigate these offences.”
Earlier this year, 86-year-old great-grandmother Mary Brander was swindled out of more than £3,200 by a ruthless conman who visited her home in Elgin.
The widow – who lives alone and uses a walking frame and wheelchair to get about – was cold-called by a workman offering to refurbish her front garden.
The unsuspecting pensioner ended up paying more than four times the value of the work that was carried out.