Female bogus caller cons OAPs across the Lothians

A WOMAN posing as three different officials is being hunted by police after taking more than £1,000 from four elderly victims in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

The bogus caller targeted elderly residents at three homes by pretending to be a medical official, council worker and care assistant.

Lothian and Borders Police said the case was "unusual" because the trickster was a woman and the majority of bogus callers tended to be men.

All three incidents took place between 5:30pm and 8pm on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Kenny Gray said: "This could have been your granny or your old auntie – they are vulnerable, old people and it's one of the most despicable crimes you can get.

"We are determined to find out what has happened and who is responsible.

"Generally it is male suspects that get access to a property by saying they are gas, water, electricity or workmen, so to have a woman suspect is unusual."

He added: "I wouldn't say it's unusual for three incidents to take place in one day, although it doesn't happen that often."

The first incident happened in Balfour Street at about 5:30pm. A woman called at the home of an elderly woman and claimed to be from a medical group. The woman was allowed entry to the property where she engaged the occupant in conversation in the living room before both moved to the kitchen where they talked further.

The suspect then left before the victim noticed a three-figure sum of cash had been stolen.

At about 7pm, an 83-year-old man was visited at his home in Redburn Road in Prestonpans by a woman claiming to be from the council. The woman entered the property and spoke with the man for a while before leaving. The man then noticed that a large sum of cash had been stolen from his wallet.

A short time later, a woman claiming to be a care assistant called at the door of an elderly couple in Moir Avenue, Musselburgh. The woman again engaged the couple in conversation while inside before making her excuses and leaving, at which point the victims discovered cash was missing.

The suspect is described as white, between 5ft 3in and 5ft 5in tall. She was wearing a dark-coloured suit and had short dark hair, although it was possible that she was wearing a wig at the property in Edinburgh.

A police spokesman added: "We believe these incidents to be linked and are eager to speak to anyone who can assist with our inquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0131-311 3131, or 0800-555 111.