Out and about to beat the bogus workmen blight

A prominent problem in East Ren, bogus workmen was top of the list for Operation Relay, targeting issues of local concern.

Speaking at a day of action last Thursday, sergeant Jim Boyle told The Extra: “We’re targeting road safety, antisocial behaviour and, of course, bogus callers.

“These are workmen who are not doing the jobs they’re meant to be, or who are conning people out of money. We’re using Operation Relay to check them out, see if there are warrants for them and if their vehicles are up to scratch and, hopefully, stop the workmen who aren’t genuine from coming back to East Ren.”

A team of community cops were deployed during Thursday’s initiative alongside trading standards and counter fraud officers, approaching workmen on the job and checking their credentials.

Paul Holland, senior trading standards officer, added: “This area is attractive for bogus callers with lots of older vulnerable people living alone.

“We’re trying to empower residents. We’ve given out thousands of no cold calling stickers. We’ve introduced Renfrewshire Council’s Trusted Trader scheme, which lists legitimate traders, to East Ren.

“But the prevention side is no good without tying into enforcment, and that’s where it’s fantastic to work in collaboration with the local police.”

For more info, visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.