Crackdown on bogus callers and rogue traders in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs

The council’s Trading Standards team has joined forces with Strathclyde Police to tackle bogus callers across the district.

A year-long action plan has been drawn up and will include joint patrols to target cruel conmen and women who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

The first patrol in this area got underway yesterday (Tuesday) in Kirkintilloch, Lenzie and Bishopbriggs.

Residents were asked to call Trading Standards if they had concerns about any trader operating in the areas on the day.

Inspector John O’Neill said: “The joint patrols will cover the entire council area, but will specifically target victims, repeat victims and areas of concern – offering a high-visibility patrol as a rapid response to any ongoing incidents.

“Our aim is to keep people safe and this partnership will go a long way towards achieving that.

“As well as providing reassurance, it will hopefully be a big deterrent to any criminals thinking about conducting their activities in our area.”

The first day of action took place in Milngavie and Bearsden last week, which resulted in eight traders being stopped and questioned.

Although no bogus workers were collared on the day, many local traders were extremely positive about the crackdown.

Often, dodgy callers are not from the local area and have fake mobile numbers so they cannot be traced.

Rogue traders offering roofing work and driveway power washing in East Dunbartonshire are being targeted.

Those who are conducting outdoor home improvements, property maintenance, leafleting and cold-calling are also a concern.

You can contact the Trading Standards team with your concerns on 0141 578 8813.

Police and council representatives are pictured above at the launch.

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