Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following bogus workman incidents in the Drylaw and Craigleith area.
The most recent incident happened around 10.30am on Thursday 7th November. The 78-year-old victim was in her home address at Queens Road, when the male suspect called there offering to carry out gardening work. The offer was repeatedly declined, however the suspect managed to gain entry to the house where he was later disturbed and fled the scene empty handed.
The other incidents happened the previous day (Wednesday 6th November) in the Drylaw area. The first two incidents happened around 1pm in Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Gardens respectively, again gardening work was offered. The residents who were approached declined the offer; however during one attempt the suspect falsely told the victim that their gardening work, which is carried out by the council, had been withdrawn.
The later incident happened around 3.15pm at West Pilton Drive.
The suspect is described as white, late-thirties or early-forties; around 5ft 10inches, tall, slim build, short dark hair, of tidy appearance with an Irish accent. He was wearing a white sweatshirt with navy horizontal stripes, navy coloured jeans, carrying a dark brown shoulder bag.
Detective Constable Ben Leathes from Operation Aristotle, which tackles bogus callers in the Capital said: “The elderly victim has been left very upset that the man had entered her home.
“Bogus workmen target vulnerable members of our community and utilise various methods of deception to do so.
Members of the public are reminded never to allow a caller into their home unless entirely certain of their identity. If you have any doubts, do not let them in and contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone requiring maintenance or repair work for their home should only use a company or individual whom they trust and never hand over money to anyone who cold-calls at your door.
“Neighbours and family of vulnerable people are also asked to be vigilant for suspicious people in their area and report any concerns for a member of the community to police immediately.
“Anyone wishing advice on crime prevention can dial 101 or contact their local policing team.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
