Rita Campbell
A police operation targeting dodgy workmen and doorstep crime has resulted in a number of crimes being detected.
Police worked alongside officers from Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Highland Council Trading Standards officers.
The high visibility operation took place in Inverness and Fort William.
A large number of commercial vehicles were stopped and checked by officers from the various agencies. The operation aimed to combat those who use their employment/business activities to commit offences.
A police spokesman said: “Such activity impacts on employees, legitimate businesses, the environment and the general public of the Highlands.”
During the operation a number of offences were detected which included drugs possession, road traffic offences, trading practices offences, environmental offences and benefit fraud. A number of people will be reported to the procurator fiscal in due course.
A total of 12 vehicles were immediately prohibited from the roads due to their dangerous condition.
The spokesman added: “Members of the public who were spoken to during this operation are thanked for the co-operation and patience.
“Police Scotland will continue to work with partner agencies to detect and deter those involved in targeting the vulnerable public with their bogus-type workmen practices.”
If anyone has information relating to any individual involved in bogus working practices they are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/