A SAFETY campaign to curb the threat of bogus caller crime in Alloa took to the buses last week.

Officers in Forth Valley teamed up with First to promote Operation Monarda – Police Scotland’s national campaign aimed at tackling bogus callers and doorstep crime.

The initiative focuses on warning the public about the danger of doorstep crime, while offering advice on how to prevent residents and vulnerable relatives from falling victim.

Scam calls are a major concern for the community with dozens of different schemes, ranging in sophistication, highlighted by the Advertiser on a regular basis.

Recently, Clacks residents often warn of cold callers intimidating elderly people in forking over thousands, while the case of bogus workmen conning £4,000 from a man in Sauchie was heard at Alloa Sheriff Court a few months ago.

Efforts have doubled to raise awareness with Tesco and Forth Valley Police offering added protection to those approached about paying debts with gift vouchers such as iTunes cards.

And last Wednesday, four officers travelled on two First Bus services in Clacks to speak with the public about how to identify and deter fraudulent callers.

Superintendent Maggie Pettigrew, of Forth Valley Police Division, said: “We know that doorstep crime can affect anyone and can leave victims feeling extremely distressed and vulnerable.

“The public are reminded that they are under no obligation to allow someone into their home if they aren’t comfortable in doing so.

“Bogus callers often turn up at your door unannounced and people are entitled to question the legitimacy of the company or an individual before agreeing to goods or services.

“Through this activity we want to ensure that the public report any suspicious behaviour to us so that we can investigate all reports thoroughly. Prevention is key to deterring fraudsters and I would ask that our message is shared with friends and relatives.

“People can often feel embarrassed or ashamed if it happens to them but I would stress that the public should not hesitate to contact us if they witness, or experience, this type of criminality."

Jason Hackett, depot operations manager with First Scotland East, added: “We are pleased to take part in such a vital campaign that aims to protect the members of the community that we serve.

“We are delighted to welcome officers from Police Scotland onto our services to interact with our customers and help raise awareness of this type of crime in a bid to prevent it happening in the future.”

Those who have information regarding doorstep crime in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101, or report this anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further information on Operation Monarda is available at scotland.police.uk or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.