| A new scheme called Doorstoppers, which has already proved successful in deterring bogus callers in parts of Angus, was launched in the Douglas area of the city.
A “No Cold Calling Zone” has been set up, with public signs on lampposts making it clear unwanted salespeople or traders are not welcome.
If successful, the scheme will be rolled out across the rest of the city.
In recent years, several residents of Dundee, particularly elderly ones, have been robbed by bogus callers or ripped off by workmen who claim they will carry out work on their homes but demand money up front — and leave without doing any work.
Tayside Police has worked with Dundee City Council’s trading standards officers to set up the no-go zone for bogus callers.
Residents of the area are also being given the chance to have physical security measures fitted to their homes, courtesy of Dundee Community Safety Partnership.
These include a device on their front door, which lets householders see and talk to callers before they decide to open the door.
Sergeant John Reekie, of Tayside Police’s Dundee Crime Reduction Unit, said, “The criminals who carry out doorstep crime, which includes bogus calling, distraction theft and phoney tradespeople, often target the elderly and vulnerable groups in our communities.
“These criminals have absolutely no conscience or scruples in carrying out these despicable criminal acts, which have serious consequences not only financially but for older people’s health and quality of life.
“This project aims to reduce doorstep crime by providing education, empowerment and enforcement.
“It will improve the quality of life for residents, particularly older people in the community, by tackling doorstep crime and aggressive door-to-door sellers.”
Lynne Law, senior Trading Standards Officer, said, “By providing these measures, we are generating empowerment back to the community to prevent people falling victim to these criminals and to aggressive door selling callers.
“Together we will be providing further information to banks, building societies and Post Offices advising them to be extra vigilant to the movement of money in older customers’ accounts.”
Dundee City Council’s environment services convener, George Regan, attended the launch of the Doorstoppers scheme in Balunie Drive this morning.
“We want people to feel safe in our communities and by providing these measures we are trying to prevent people from falling victim to the type of crime that can happen on their doorsteps and to callers who use aggressive cold-calling tactics,” said Councillor Regan.
“The pilot project will be evaluated in due course with a view to extending it to other areas of Dundee.” |
