Operation Monarda update - campaign against bogus callers and associated doorstep crime

31st March 2015

As part of Operation Monarda, Police Scotland's campaign against Bogus Callers and associated Doorstep Crime, officers from Police Scotland, VOSA, SEPA and Highland Council Trading Standards, carried out a high visibility operations in both Inverness and Brora last week.

Operation Monarda aims to raise awareness of bogus callers, rogue traders and associated doorstep crime by providing advice and information on how householders can protect themselves from such crimes. In addition, partners will be engaging with local businesses to provide advice and will also be carrying out enforcement work.

This operation saw a large number of commercial vehicles being stopped and checked by officers from the various agencies. The operation aimed to combat those in our communities who use their employment/business activities to commit offences. Such activity impacts on employees, legitimate businesses, the environment and communities across the Highlands.

During the operation a number of offences were detected which including road traffic offences, trading practices offences, environmental offences and benefit fraud. A number of people will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

As a result of the two day operation 18 vehicles were immediately prohibited from the roads due to their dangerous condition.

Commenting on the operations, Detective Inspector Richard Ross said:

"As part of Operation Monarda, Police Scotland is working with partner agencies to ensure we send out a clear message: bogus callers and their associated crimes will not be tolerated in the Highlands. Through a series of events held during the campaign, we aim to raise awareness of devious methods often used by bogus callers and to offer advice on reducing the likelihood of falling victim to this type of crime.

"In addition to providing advice to householders, we will also be working with legitimate businesses and traders. Members of the public are thanked for engaging positively during the two actions days."

"Police Scotland will continue to work with partner agencies to detect and deter those involved in targeting vulnerable members of the public with their rogue trading practices."

If anyone has information relating to any individual involved in bogus-type working practices they are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.