Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly man was targeted by bogus callers.
Around 12 noon on Tuesday 5 February, a man knocked on the 76 year old’s door, pertaining to be from a paving and roofing company.
Work was later carried out at the property between Wednesday 6 February and Thursday 7 February in Elie Avenue, and on payment, the caller helped the victim set up a bank transfer and took a four-figure sum of cash, instead of the agreed three-figure sum.
When the man questioned the amount, the workers left the property claiming to get paperwork and a receipt, but never returned.
The three men involved in the job are all described as white, with Glasgow accents and wearing high viz jackets.
The first male was aged 20-30 years around 5ft 7″, clean shaven, with short dark hair.
The second is 30-35 years old, around 6ft, clean shaven of medium build, and the third suspect is between 20 and 30 years old, 5ft 9″, clean shaven of stocky build.
They were driving a red/orange pick up style vehicle and a white van
. Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Beck from CID said: “This has been a frustrating experience for the victim who believed the men were working legitimately for a company. These criminals have exploited the trust of the public and used a concerning method to obtain a large sum of money.
“We are appealing for anyone who can help us identify these individuals, or who has any information relevant to this investigation, to contact police immediately.
“The public are reminded to never allow unsolicited callers to carry out unscheduled work at their home and never allow anyone entry if you are not entirely certain of who they are. If in doubt, check before agreeing to any work being done.
“We have a range of useful crime prevention and home security advice available on our website at www.scotland.pnn.police.uk.”
“Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3503 of 7 February. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers 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.
