Police are appealing for information in a bid to catch a suspected bogus charity worker, following a complaint that a man attended a property in Dalmahoy Crescent in Balerno at around 3pm on Wednesday 2nd July and claimed to be collecting money on behalf of the British Parachute Regiment.
The man, who was unable to show photographic identification, stated that he had been carrying out door-to-door collections elsewhere in the area and was promising that a “thank-you pack” would be distributed to anyone who donated money.
Detective Constable Ben Leathes said: “Earlier this month we had similar incidents reported to Police Scotland elsewhere in the city, from homeowners in Hutchison Loan and Spylaw Bank Road.
“There is clearly a concern that a man is duping people into believing that he is working for the British Parachute Regiment and we are working hard to trace the person responsible.”
The suspect is described as white, between 25 and 35 years old, around 5ft 10in and of slim build. He has short, dark hair, with a pale complexion and with acne on his cheeks and forehead.
It is understood he was wearing a maroon beret with a wings emblem on the front, a camouflage jacket and matching trousers, and black boots.
DC Leathes added: “We would urge anyone who knows anything about the identity of the suspect or who suspects that they may have been a victim of this bogus worker to get in touch immediately.
“Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, phone 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.
