How to check an officer's identity
If Police Scotland contacts you, they will do so in person, by phone or by email. This will depend on the circumstances surrounding why we need to contact you.
Contact in person
If one of our officers contacts you in person, they'll show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority and you can verify this by dialling 101.
Contact by phone and Email
If one of our officers needs to speak to you on the phone or by email, they'll identify themselves clearly.
They will never:
ask you for your bank details or PIN
ask you to transfer funds to another account
ask you to hand over cash or bank cards to a courier
ask you to pay a fine or a fee to them or a third party over the phone or online
ask you for remote access to your computer, passwords or log on details over the phone or online
ask you to register personal details in an attachment they send or website they direct towards
ask you to 'assist' in an investigation by doing any of the above
communicate in an abusive, threatening or coercive manner
ask you to click on a hyperlink to participate in an investigation
Remember if you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity. You should also contact 101 if you think you've been a victim of fraud.
Follow the link below for a video with more information on identity fraud: https://vimeo.com/547456268
Link to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Newsletter (Summer 2021)
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Guide To New Fire Alarm Standards - Scotland
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The law on fire alarms is changing. By February 2022, all homes in Scotland will be required to have interlinked fire alarms, meaning if one alarm goes off, they all go off. This will alert you to danger more quickly, no matter where you are in your home.
The new legislation requires all homes to have:
- One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
- One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
- One heat alarm installed in the kitchen All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked
- Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires) and heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.
If you live in a one bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.
A 3 bedroom, 2 storey house will need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.

There are two types of alarms available:
- Tamper proof long-life battery-operated alarms, which can last for up to 10 years, and can be fitted by the homeowner or a handyperson.
- Mains wired alarms, which should be installed by a qualified electrician.
The homeowner is responsible for making sure their home meets the the new fire alarms standard, and for finding a contractor to carry out the work. When purchasing an alarm, choose a reputable brand and make sure the packaging clearly displays compliance with BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should have the British Kitemark (EN 50291-1). Heat alarms should comply with BS 5446-2:2003. To find out more about the new legislation and the support available, visit: mygov.scot/firealarms |
Due to a significant rise in vehicle crime Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is supporting Police Scotland in their Vehicle Crime campaign to help reduce the opportunities for criminals throughout Scotland.
Here are some tips to help secure your motor vehicles:
Due to a significant rise in vehicle crime Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is supporting Police Scotland in their Vehicle Crime campaign to help reduce the opportunities for criminals throughout Scotland.
Here are some tips to help secure your motor vehicles:
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