Cops are urging locals to be wary of bogus doorstep callers.

A statement from Police Scotland said: “Bogus callers try to get into your home by pretending to be someone they’re not, including council staff, meter readers, or even police officers. In reality, they are crooks trying to steal cash and valuables.

“Rogue traders claim to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality, they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.” Now Police Scotland is urging people to be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly, never let people try to persuade you to let them enter your home and use key preventative measures, such as; use a door chain or bar, keep front and back doors locked, don’t keep large sums of money in the house, never give money to strangers who arrive at your door and to always check ID.

Bogus callers can be male or female, young or old - and police are warning people not to be fooled by the caller’s appearance and to take the 'If in doubt, shut them out!’ approach.

In an emergency call 999. To report a crime call 101. You can also contact the Police on: http://twitter.com/policescotland or http://www.facebook.com/policescotland You can phone Crimestoppers to pass on information about crime anonymously, call 0800 555 111.