MORE than 70 drivers were stopped in Duloch yesterday as part of a police operation to catch bogus workmen.

Officers targeted known individuals to disrupt their activities between 8am and 1pm on Wednesday, April 27 with a joint team involving trading standards, VOSA, and Fife Council licensing officers.

More than 70 drivers were stopped during the course of the operation, most of whom were found to be legitimate businesses complying with normal business conditions.

However five vehicles were served with VOSA prohibition notices, several drivers were reported for road traffic offences and one vehicle was seized for not having insurance.

In total, 13 drivers were issued with fixed penalty tickets in relation to trading standards offences.

Fife Police have their sights on bogus workmen this week, with extra resources committed to supporting previous victims and identifying hot spot areas for doorstep crime.

An extra 55 officers are carrying out patrols to support communities across Fife and police will be reminding banks of their responsibilities to support vulnerable and elderly people who may be attempting to withdraw large sums to pay for bogus work related activity.

All the builders’ merchants in the area are receiving a visit, with officers raising awareness about doorstep crime and being asked to display a poster to make their staff more aware.

Inspector Jane Combe, of Fife Police Safer Communities, said: “Bogus callers pretend to be someone they’re not, such as council staff, meter readers, charity collectors and even police officers.

“We want to equip our community to keep cold callers out of their homes and protect themselves against doorstep crime.

“Rogue traders work by trying to pressurise householders into buying a product or service that they don’t actually need.

"We recommend that people never pay for goods or services to strangers arriving at their door, and instead ensure that they utilise the Fife Council trusted trader scheme.

“We also want to reassure and help the most vulnerable members of our community with regards to home security and crime prevention.”