Five elderly city residents fall victim to bogus callers

Officers have released details of at least five cases in which elderly residents were targeted, and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The first incident happened late on Monday morning at an address in Pilrig Street.

An 89-year-old man was at home when a man called at his door claiming he was due to carry out work on the roof and required cash for materials. The resident was taken to a bank in Leith Walk where he withdrew a four-figure sum of money, which he then passed to the man, who took him home and drove off.

Around noon that day and then again at 11.30am on Tuesday, two separate attempts were made to gain access to the home of a 73-year-old woman in Greenbank Drive by men claiming to be carrying out roofing work. On both occasions the woman refused the men entry and called the police.

At 3.30pm on Monday, three men called at an address in Currievale Park and told the 74-year-old occupant they needed money for roofing work which had been carried out.

The woman went with the men to a nearby bank and took out a four-figure sum, which she handed to the men. They then made off in a car, believed to be a Vauxhall Astra estate.

At around 12.30pm on Tuesday, a 65-year-old woman was robbed of some personal possessions and cash after allowing a man claiming to be checking the water supply access to her house in Captain’s Drive.

Two men then visited a 68-year-old woman in Magdalene Drive and asked to check her roof interior for water damage. The woman asked to see their ID, causing them to flee.

A police spokesman said: “In each instance, elderly members of our community were targeted. Anyone who can assist with our inquiries is asked to contact police immediately.

“The public is urged never to allow anyone access to their homes, or hand over money or personal details, without being sure of the caller’s identity.”

A spokeswoman for Age Scotland said: “Many bogus callers target elderly people. They can seem very plausible and will try to fool residents into a false sense of security. If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it usually is.

“We would urge residents in the area to contact police if there is suspicious activity.”