Police in Ratho are appealing for witnesses after bogus workmen targeted an elderly couple in Ratho on Saturday (5th April).
The incident happened around 11am on Saturday at an address on Wilkieston Road when the elderly occupants answered the door to two men, reporting to be from a drain clearing company.
They then charged a large sum of money for work to be carried out on a drain at the rear of the property. The victim handed over a three figure sum of money, and the suspects left without carrying out any work.
The first man is described as 30 to 35 years old, 5ft 5in to 5ft 8in tall, medium build, short dark hair with some facial hair, local accent, wearing a distinctive red checked shirt.
The second suspect is described as 30 to 35 years old, taller than the first man, with medium length mousey brown hair, wearing a dark jacket.
Detective Constable Ben Leathes said: “The elderly victims are very upset that they were convinced to hand over a large amount of money for unnecessary work that was not carried out.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Ratho over the weekend or who recognises the description of the two men.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity 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.
