VIDEO doorbells are being provided to vulnerable residents for free in East Renfrewshire.

A new project by the local authority has been launched to help those who are experiencing a high number of cold callers or have been a victim of a scam.

Smart video doorbell systems - such as the Ring doorbell - are being provided to residents who meet a range of criteria.

Eligibility is based on an individual case basis with criteria based around vulnerability, financial harm and scams, with 36 doorbells rolled out to date.

Upon successful referral, Trading Standards and Care and Repair visit the property to install the device.

An app is then installed on the resident’s phone or tablet and Trading Standards discuss any other measures which can be put in place.

This includes supporting residents to ensure the correct privacy settings are in place when the system is set up.

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Councillor Danny Devlin, convener for housing and environment, said: “A smart doorbell is a great way to keep your home safe and secure.

“These video doorbell systems have a range of benefits for your home, over and above home security, with many using them to watch over their elderly or vulnerable family members and protect them from doorstep callers.

“A video doorbell lets you see who is knocking at your door without answering it and say no to cold callers without having to engage in conversation.

“The majority of people who knock on your door are likely to be genuine, but at times rogue traders are in the area with the intention of trying to get consumers to pay for unnecessary or substandard work in their home.

“This project has numerous benefits and will help many of our residents to remain independent, whilst feeling safer in their own homes, giving themselves and family members peace of mind.”

If you think you or a family member would benefit from having a video doorbell installed, email preventionteam@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0141 577 3782.

Trading Standards also install nuisance call blockers free of charge to vulnerable residents.

Visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/call-blockers to apply.