COMMITMENT to tackling doorstop crime and bogus calls in South Ayrshire has led to a teenager being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Over the past week, officers have been adopting an intelligence based approach to targeting those they suspect to be involved in this type of criminality and they have also been working with the business community and have stopped and spoken to the drivers of more than 90 business vehicles.

As a result of this activity, an 18-year-old man is being reported to the Procurator Fiscal for alleged fraud and seven people have been issued with Fixed Penalty Notices or reported for Road Traffic offences.

Doorstep crime affects some of the most vulnerable members of local communities, with perpetrators mainly targeting victims due to a perceived vulnerability such as age, gender or disability.

In 2017, there have been 22 reported bogus caller crimes within South Ayrshire with the most targeted group being between 71 and 80 years of age.

Over 40 frontline staff attended a Doorstep Crime Seminar and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and South Ayrshire Council Community Safety Wardens delivered over 260 leaflets to homes in key areas to increase awareness.

Chief Inspector Gary I`Anson, South Ayrshire Area Commander, said: “I am really pleased with the full range of partnership work undertaken to raise awareness and of the enforcement activity of our dedicated teams of officers carrying out intelligence led operations in key locations in Ayr and across South Ayrshire to specifically disrupt and deter individuals whom we suspect are trying to commit doorstep crime. 

“I would urge anyone who sees any suspicious activity to report it to us immediately via 101 so that we can thoroughly investigate it.”

For information visit www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers