POLICE have launched a fight against doorstep crime – with the planned campaign coming just days after an elderly woman was cruelly targeted by a bogus caller.

A cruel conman broke into the pensioner’s home in Allison Court in Inverkip via the vestibule door and claimed he was from Scottish Water or the ‘water board’ and there to carry out work following a burst main or pipe.

It’s not yet known if the bogus caller stole anything from the property during the incident last Wednesday but the senior citizen was shocked by the incident. 

A week-long police campaign entitled ‘operation Monarda’ has been launched to prevent doorstep crime of this kind happening in Inverclyde.

Sergeant Laura Stewart told the Telegraph: “Our aim is to raise awareness about the different types of doorstep crime and help people in Inverclyde protect themselves and their loved ones from being caught out by these often very convincing and callous criminals.”

Officers were on hand at Wemyss Bay Gala Day at the weekend, pictured, to help promote the drive.

Throughout the rest of this week, local officers will be working alongside officers from Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, trading standards and Inverclyde Council Taxi Enforcement to support the campaign.

Yesterday, as part of the initiative, vehicle stops were carried out in various locations throughout Inverclyde. 

Police say the aim was to gather intelligence and offer preventative advice on doorstep crime.

Later this week, officers will  team up with trading standards officers to offer advice to local residents at a series of information events.

The first event is at Cardwell Garden Centre on Thursday, followed by the Oak Mall on Friday and Port Glasgow Tesco and Kilmacolm Community Centre on Monday.

In addition, community wardens will carry out leaflet drops and work with local banks to raise awareness amongst their customers.