THE latest phase of Police Scotland’s efforts to prevent doorstep crime and target bogus callers was launched on Friday.

Operation Monarda will raise awareness of a crime which impacts on many vulnerable members of the community and often leaves many victims too embarrassed to go to the police, fearing a loss of independence, and facing financial uncertainty in the future.

Doorstep crime happens in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area with more than 1000 incidents recorded between 1st August 2014 and 13th February 2015 in Scotland.

Approximately £400,000 was taken nationally from victims in that time.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams outlined Police Scotland’s approach to tackling doorstep crime and was joined by representatives of a number of partner organisations including Crimestoppers Scotland, Trading Standards Scotland