Lothian and Borders Police, the Department of Work and Pensions and Midlothian Council trading standards officers joined forces for the five-day initiative, which targeted unscrupulous workmen and those cheating the benefits system by working for cash in hand while still claiming benefits.

The multi-agency team checked out workers on police and benefits systems who were seen to be undertaking a variety of work including building, roofing, plumbing and heating works as well as cleaning windows.

Intelligence

As well as gathering intelligence, they were successful in detecting a number of people for benefits offences which have either been dealt with by revoking rights to benefit, or placing individual cases under investigation.

Vulnerable

Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Terry Powell, said: "This is the time of year traditionally when bogus workman activity starts to target households, offering gardening and general maintenance work.

"Indeed, over the last few weeks, several such crimes took place across our force area, targetting the elderly and vulnerable in our communities.

"I welcome this kind of hard-hitting partnership working where we can go out and target those who prey on the vulnerable, as well as those who commit fraud by cheating the benefit system.

"By agencies working together and with the support and vigilance of the public, we can target these groups and bring them to book."