A 92-YEAR-OLD has been conned out of hundreds of pounds by bogus workmen.
The frail householder was targeted by a man claiming to be a plumber.
The man arrived at the pensioner’s Perth home between 11.15am and 11.30am last Friday.
He presented a blue business card to try to reinforce his credentials.
A second man was also seen walking along the road at the end of the path.
Bogus plumber said he needed to gain entry as the water was discoloured and potentially toxic.
He went into the kitchen and looked under the sink unit, with the householder next to him, then, after a couple of minutes he declared the problem fixed and left.
Opportunity
The elderly man then became suspicious, and after checking his home he discovered the cash had been taken.
It appears that he had been distracted by the bogus plumber, while someone else had sneaked into his home.
The bogus caller is described as being in his early 30s, five feet five inches tall and was wearing a light coloured beanie-style hat. There is no description of the man seen at the end of the path.
As well as seeking to identify these men, officers also want to trace a goods van that was seen in the area the previous Tuesday and on Friday in question. It was possibly a white Transit style van, with yellow around the top and roof. It had ladders loaded on its roof.
Community Safety Sergeant Steve Sangster said: “People should be on their guard against this type of crime, especially if they have elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Often the pressure to get something sorted or repaired presents an ideal opportunity for this type of criminal activity to be used, as the criminal seeks to obtain cash or property by distraction or fraudulent means.
“Please be aware of everyone who comes to your door, these criminals usually in small teams of two or three. Be suspicious of anyone cold calling at your door offering to do work or to fix a problem you have no prior knowledge of. Do not let yourself become a victim.”
Anyone with information that can assist police enquiries or who has any information in relation to bogus callers or workmen should call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.
