Largs Police have launched its Shut Out Scammers campaign, raising awareness of offenders who cold-call people at their homes and scam them out of money.

Doorstep criminals may offer to carry out work at a reduced rate, asking you to hand over cash straight away and often in advance of any repairs being carried out.

While half of victims are said to be vulnerable, officers are warning that all householders can be targeted by such fraudsters, many of whom have a link to organised crime groups.

Those who lose money to such frauds can suffer both financially but also emotionally, with the crimes leaving them feeling more vulnerable.

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander for policing in North Ayrshire, said "There is no specific look to a bogus caller or rogue trader - residents must be alert. If you have any concerns at all, do not allow an individual entry to your home, or provide them with any form of payment and do not hesitate to phone the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. Always ask for ID and only let callers in if they have an appointment and you know they are genuine."

Between October 2017 and April 2018, some 336 victims in Scotland lost a total of £421,766 through doorstep and bogus crime.