Free smart doorbells handed out to East Renfrewshire residents

A Scottish council is giving out free smart doorbells to help vulnerable residents being targeted by scammers.

The new scheme, launched by East Renfrewshire Council, will see the devices, such as Amazon’s Ring Video Doorbell, handed to those in the area likely to fall victim to financial harm.

The project will allow the devices to be fitted to residents’ homes free of charge with eligibility worked out on a case-by-case basis.

Some 36 devices have already been rolled out and there are plans to expand the scheme further.

Trading Standards and Care and Repair will fit the doorbells. Once installed, an app will be put on the resident’s phone or tablet to interact with the device.

Councillor Danny Devlin, convener for housing and environment, said the scheme will help keep homes safe and secure.

He said: “These video doorbell systems have a range of benefits for your home, over and above home security, with many using them to watch over their elderly or vulnerable family members and protect them from doorstep callers.

“A video doorbell lets you see who is knocking at your door without answering it and say no to cold callers without having to engage in conversation.

“The majority of people who knock on your door are likely to be genuine, but at times rogue traders are in the area with the intention of trying to get consumers to pay for unnecessary or substandard work in their home.

“This project has numerous benefits and will help many of our residents to remain independent, whilst feeling safer in their own homes, giving themselves and family members peace of mind.”

The council is asking anyone who thinks they or a family member would benefit from having a video doorbell installed to email preventionteam@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0141 577 3782.