Police say doorstep crime can take a variety of forms

The latest spate of incidents has taken place in Angus and Perthshire and elderly people in particular have been warned to be on their guard.

Callers can pose as tradesmen, charging over-inflated prices for small amounts of work which may never be carried out.

Residents in Perthshire were recently targeted by three men who stole hundreds of pounds from four homes.

The latest appeal came after it emerged that an elderly couple were distracted by two men at their home in Glamis and then robbed of almost �300 in cash.

In the east of Scotland, trading standards officers warned on Wednesday that a fake charity, Kosta Ltd, has been posting leaflets through letterboxes in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

It is believed the set-up is asking for unwanted clothes to be donated which are then sold on for profit.

Drama production

Tayside Police crime reduction officer Derek Mitchell said: "It's up to everyone to protect the vulnerable members of our community from bogus callers.

"If you see any suspicious characters in your area or callers at your door, note descriptions of them and their vehicles, and their direction of travel if known.

"If you see or hear of any of your neighbours or friends who have had the bogus caller, encourage them to do something about it.

"Don't let them con you or anyone else into carrying out unnecessary work at over inflated prices."

To combat the problem, drama students have teamed up with police and Help the Aged to stage a series of plays throughout Angus which aim to give older people the confidence to safely deal with doorstep crime.

The doorstoppers strategy has been fronted by students from Angus College and cast members from the Abbey Theatre Group.