Neighbours to deter bogus callers

It is hoped the scheme will stop people opening their doors to strangers

Neighbours of the elderly or vulnerable in Perth and Kinross are to help stop them falling victim to bogus callers.

The "Nominated Neighbour" scheme will see locals given an A4-sized card which they can hold up to the window or show through the gap in the door.

It states: "I do not recognise you! Please go to number xx who is my nominated neighbour."

The chosen candidate will then check the caller is genuine before returning with them to the resident's home.

They will then stay with the caller for the duration of their visit.

The purpose of the scheme is to stop residents opening their doors to people they do not know.

A Tayside Police spokesman said: "Our aim is to give householders, in particular the elderly and more vulnerable, the opportunity to deal with unwanted callers without having to take decisions on their own, or even having to enter into direct conversation with them.

This reinforced approach will scare away the bogus callers and criminals who will not want to stick around and be identified by more than one person Tayside Police spokesman

"We are confident that this will greatly reduce the chances of the householder entering into any contract, having unnecessary or overpriced work carried out, or giving cash out unnecessarily.

"Furthermore, it is anticipated that this reinforced approach will scare away the bogus callers and criminals who will not want to stick around and be identified by more than one person."

Police have said it is an initiative which has already proved successful in a number of areas.

There have been several bogus caller incidents across the Tayside area recently.

On Monday, two women in Dundee, aged 79 and 98, had three-figure sums of money stolen from their homes.

An 86-year-old woman was attacked and robbed in Bridge of Earn on Friday.

Also on Friday, a 92-year-old had a three-figure sum of cash taken from her home in Milnathort.

In all the cases the suspects pretended to be from the water board.