Bogus callers steal four-figure sum

Published on Thursday 11 March 2010 08:59

AN 86-YEAR-old woman was targeted by bogus callers who tricked their way into her home before stealing a four-figure sum of cash.

The elderly victim answered her door in Birniehill Road, Bathgate, to a man who claimed to be checking for a burst water line.

The conman asked to come inside the house and was led through to the kitchen where he engaged the woman in conversation and asked her to go into the back garden.

When the pensioner came back into the home, she found a second man inside the property. Both suspects then left quickly. The incident took place between 12:30pm and 1pm on Friday.

On Sunday, the woman noticed that a four-figure sum of cash had been stolen and called police.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, 25-30 years old, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 7in tall, with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing, a skip cap, some form of ID badge on the left side of his top, and spoke with an English accent with an Irish twang.

The second suspect is described as white, 25-30 years old, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in tall, and was wearing dark clothing.

A police spokesman said: "These men have made off with a considerable sum of cash that has left the victim out of pocket and distressed as a result.

"Anyone who recognises the description of the suspects or has information that can assist our enquiries should contact police.

"Bogus workmen target the more vulnerable members of our community in the hope of making off with cash or other valuables.

"We would urge the public to be vigilant to these individuals and report any suspicious activity to police immediately."