Police warn residents to beware of cold callers and bogus workers following an incident in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Police Scotland is warning Inverness residents about bogus workmen in the area following an incident last week.
"If in doubt – keep them out" is the message Acting Inspector Shahid Maqsood wants to give out to the local community after two men called at a house in Kingsmills Road last Friday offering to carry out roofing work.
A price was agreed for the work but the householder later cancelled the job and the men returned demanding a sum of money for materials they had ordered for the job.
Officers are offering the following advice to householders when confronted by cold callers:
- Do not feel pressurised into agreeing immediate work. Never listen to scare stories and beware of traders who suddenly appear after storms and floods and avoid claims that a low price is only available if you sign up right away.
- Do not agree to buy from the first person who calls. Ask yourself if you really want these goods or services.
- Do not pay cash up front. Never pay for work before it is completed and do not hand over large sums of money.
- Do shop around if you decide you need work done. Get a minimum of three quotes from reputable traders.
- Do report them. Don't ever feel embarrassed if you feel you have been the victim of doorstep crime. If you feel threatened, unsafe or suspicious of a caller then contact police immediately on 999.
Acting Inspector Maqsood said: "Police Scotland do not recommend dealing with cold callers for property maintenance and repairs to your home and working together we can ensure that we can drive down the number of reports of doorstep crime we receive each year.
"Doorstep crime is a despicable crime and a priority for Police Scotland and will not be tolerated in our communities. This type of crime targets the elderly and vulnerable in our communities and we would urge neighbours to play their role in helping keeping them safe.
"Call us on 101 if you see or suspect any suspicious activity in your area."
If you see something suspicious in your area or want more advice on doorstep crime than contact police on 101, taking note of descriptions of people and vehicles used where possible. You can also contact police anonymously through the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
