Police are keen to trace three men in connection with a bogus caller incident in Bonnyrigg that resulted in an elderly woman being robbed of a number of high value items.
The incident happened on Tuesday, August 18, at around 12pm when the men called at the home of a 77-year-old woman on Lothian Street.
The men claimed to work for the local authority before persuading the homeowner to let them into her house so that they could inspect the plumbing in her kitchen and bathroom.
The suspects then completed their checks and left the property.
A short time later the woman noticed that a quantity of her jewellery had been removed.
Police are now appealing to anyone who may have seen the men in or around the area of Lothian Street to get in touch.
Two of the suspects are described as being white, 6 foot tall, slim build with short brown hair. Both men were wearing dark navy jackets and dark coloured trousers
The third man was tanned complexion, between 5ft 10ins tall and 5ft 12ins tall, he had a foreign accent, slim build and short black hair.
Inspector Andrew Toombs, who is based at Dalkeith Police Station, said: “An extensive and robust investigation is now underway and we are extremely keen to trace the suspects.
“This was an appalling and cowardly crime and I would urge anyone who seen these men or has any information that can assist with our ongoing enquiries to please contact police as soon as possible.
“These men have exploited an elderly woman’s trust and appear to have stolen a significant quantity of her personal belongings.
“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and we will take all necessary measures to ensure these men are brought to justice.
“Thankfully, such incidents are rare in Bonnyrigg but I want to take this opportunity to warn others in the area to stay vigilant.”
Anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation is asked to call police on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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.
