Police are advising people to be vigilant after fraudulent workmen targeted an elderly resident in the Clermiston area of the city.
On the morning of Monday, February 23, three men attended a 79-year-old woman’s address and offered to carry out, what they claimed to be, essential roof maintenance.
The victim later handed over a four-figure sum of cash before the suspects requested more money and went with her to the bank. Thanks to the vigilance of staff there, the suspects were unable to obtain any more money.
The first suspect is described as white, late twenties, 5ft 2inches tall, with a slim build and an Edinburgh accent. He had dark hair, which was swept to the side, and was clean-shaven. He was wearing a black or navy blue jacket with a collar and a tie.
The second suspect is described as white, in his thirties, 5ft 8inches to 6ft tall, with a heavy build. He had long side burns, fairish hair and blue/grey eyes. He was wearing navy dungarees, work boots, a navy parka, black beanie hat and was a smoker.
The third male is described as white, late thirties, and 5ft 6inches tall. He was unshaven with a thin face, was missing teeth from the sides, and had salt and pepper coloured hair. He was wearing a navy boiler suit and was also a smoker.
Officers are now urging the public to be wary of individuals who approach a property claiming that work needs to be done, and to never allow cold callers into your home.
If you are unsure of the intentions or identity of a caller and feel uncomfortable, intimidated or suspicious, please call Police Scotland on 101.
Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness said: “This was a despicable crime which targeted a vulnerable member of our community
“We have been working with the local banking industry to raise awareness of this type of crime and it has, on at least three recent occasions, prevented monies from being withdrawn by elderly customers targeted by fraud.
“Given that there have been a number of similar incidents in the city, I am appealing to anyone with elderly neighbours or relatives to be especially observant in relation to potential bogus callers.”
If you have been the victim of fraudulent workman, or have further information about this incident or these suspects, please contact Police Scotland on 101, or contact 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.
