86-year-old woman targeted in Livingston bogus workmen incident

Police are appealing for information after an 86-year-old woman was targeted in her own home by bogus workmen.

The incident took place between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday, 4 October, when three men and a child turned up at the pensioner’s home in the Eilburn area of Livingston.

It’s believed the three men pressured the woman into agreeing to allow them to wash her driveway, while the young boy requested access to the house to use the bathroom

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One of the men requested payment and was given £50 before claiming this was not enough.

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The victim then gave the man another £400, leaving him and the child alone donwstairs for a brief period of time, before demanding further payment which she refused.

After the men left, she later discovered that items of sentimental value, including china, were missing from the house.

Officers have been carrying out enquiries since the incident was reported to police by a family member on Tuesday, 9 October and are appealing for the public’s help to identify those involved.

The first man is described as white, in his sixties, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build and with grey hair. The second is described as white, in his forties, 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build with dark hair.

The third man is described as being white, in his late teens, 5ft 8ins tall of average build with red hair. The child is described as white, around 11 years old, 4ft 9ins tall, of slim build with dark hair.

The four are believed to have been travelling in a silver Transit-style vehicle.

Constable Kyshiea Nowicki from Livingston Police Station said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who was made to feel intimidated in her own home.

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“We are eager to speak to anyone else who may have been approached by these men, or who may recognise their descriptions.

“As always, we’d urge people to be vigilant if an unknown caller attends your property offering to carry out any work.

“If you have any concerns whatsoever about their intentions, please call a family member, a trusted friend neighbour or police.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0888 of the 9th October, report this anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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