Police and partners have joined forces to target Rogue Traders and Bogus Callers operating in the area.

Representatives from North Ayrshire Council Trading Standards and StreetScene were also present alongside colleagues from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) who were checking compliance with legislation relating to the carriage of waste in an effort to prevent fly-tipping in the area.

In the first of a series of planned initiatives, police set up a vehicle check point at Ardrossan Road, Seamill, on Tuesday, February 5. More than 60 vehicles were stopped as officers conducted checks to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles and ensure drivers had the relevant documentation for their use on the road. Two drivers were issued fixed penalty notices for alleged vehicle defects, one driver reported for no excise licence and 23 drivers given advice relating to the maintenance of their vehicle and carriage of waste.

PC Colin Johnson, Preventions and Interventions Officer in North Ayrshire, commented: “Today’s operation saw local officers work alongside Roads Policing colleagues to engage with drivers, to raise awareness of our work to target rogue traders to legitimate businesses and ensure the safety of vehicles.

“Community Planning partners are committed to making North Ayrshire safe and secure and doing all we can to protect the most vulnerable who unfortunately are often targeted by unscrupulous individuals posing as genuine traders.”

Police Scotland can be contacted by calling 101 (in an emergency always dial 999).

Information can also be passed via the independent charity CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111.