Dundee’s citizens can play an integral role in protecting society’s most vulnerable from the scourge of bogus workmen, a councillor has said.
Baillie Ian Borthwick, who has served on the city’s council for more than half a century, called on residents to keep an eye out for their elderly neighbours.
Mr Borthwick also reminded those suspicious of any person calling on their door to be mindful of the mantra “when in doubt, keep them out”, to prevent possible criminal situations arising.
He said: “The police are doing their very utmost to locate and identify the perpetrators of these crimes, I have no doubt about that and have every confidence in them.
“These crimes always seem to occur though, and often people not from Dundee will come to the town, target vulnerable people then disappear.
“The most critical factor in tackling this sort of crime is to get friends, family members and neighbours to keep an eye out for the more vulnerable in society.
“If members of the community see anything suspicious, then they should first check in on their neighbours to make sure they are OK, and if they suspect something illegal has happened then they should call the police.
“It’s beyond my comprehension how someone could prey on a vulnerable person like that.”
Bogus callers have preyed on elderly and vulnerable people in Dundee in recent months.
A 33-year-old man appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on Tuesday afternoon accused of targeting a 96-year-old women in a “bogus caller” theft.
John Reid faced one charge of theft and four charges of being found in a building where it may be inferred he intended to commit theft during a hearing.
Reid made no plea and no declaration after appearing in private before Sheriff Alistair Carmichael.
Sheriff Carmichael continued the case and remanded Reid in custody in the meantime. Reid is expected to appear again before the court at some point next week.
