West Lothian Council delivers

Council Leader's podcast

Click here to hear the Leader of the Council talk about the need to be wary of bogus callers

Bogus callers can be difficult to spot. They knock at your door and try to gain entry or convince you to have work done to your property that you really don't need.  

Bogus callers seem plausible but they are out to trick you. The message from Lothian and Borders Police and the council's community safety and trading standards teams is, if in doubt keep them out.

The council has worked in partnership with the police to organise events for older people to highlight the danger of bogus callers, starting with an event at the Lanthorn Centre, Dedridge on 11 March at 11am  until 1pm with tea, coffee and soup and a sandwich provided.

The aim is to provide those who attend the events with the skills and knowledge to protect them from the unscrupulous criminals who commit doorstep crimes against older people.   These events allow us to highlight the important issues, by directly addressing older people and working to empower them to prevent them becoming victims.

Those attending the event will learn how to deal with bogus callers and rogue traders with a show from the Baldy Bane Theatre Group called 'One foot in the door'. There will also be an opportunity to obtain police advice and a chance to speak to representatives from the other agencies involved, including West Lothian Credit Union, Department for Work and Pensions, the MOOD Project and the council's Housing Services, Consumer Advice and Health Improvement teams.

Two further events take place on Wednesday 17th March at Craigsfarm Centre, and 24th March at the Regal Theatre, Bathgate

Further details are available from Safer Communities Department on 01506 445671.

Peter Johnston,
Leader of the Council