A COP operation has seen three arrested for alleged frauds worth over £176,000.

Officers in East Dunbartonshire have been working with the council on Operation Skipjack, which investigates criminals typically targeting older or vulnerable people by cold calling on their doorsteps.

A day of action saw the force execute three search warrants which resulted in the arrests. 

Residents can be duped by cold callers who appear legitimate and professional, with claims that they have business premises, a website and are on a trusted trader list. 

They can be charged thousands of pounds for work that may be unnecessary, of poor quality, unfinished or not done at all. 

East Dunbartonshire Area Commander Chief Inspector Menzies said: "The joint working between Police and East Dunbartonshire Council Trading Standards to tackle doorstep crime is a key element of local policing plan.

"Operation Skipjack continues to bring perpetrators to justice who often target the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to proactively detect and deter this type of crime and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward in support of this."

If you or anyone you know have been a victim of these offences please call 101 or contact Trading Standards on 0300 1234510 ext 3813 or email trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk