\Strathaven

An attempt by conmen to dupe a 93-year-old man out of £900 was thwarted after a neighbour stepped in. Now police are warning residents to be on their guard. The scamsters struck in Strathaven’s Lethame Road last Thursday afternoon. Two bogus workmen went to the elderly householder’s door and offered to cut down a tree in his front garden for £900. The workmen were insistent that the tree required to be cut down and persuaded the householder to allow them to do so. But the householder became suspicious of the men and called a friend, who lived nearby. The friend confronted the workmen and no money was handed over and the bogus workmen left without payment. Police have released a description of the men and are warning others never to allow unsolicited work to be carried out on their properties. One is described as aged 30-40, 5ft 10in tall, with short, dark brown hair and an Irish accent, wearing a high-visibility vest with dark clothing underneath. The other is described as aged 20-30, stocky build, 5ft 8in tall with dark hair, wearing a light tracksuit. Both were seen in a white Nissan van. Chief Inspector Gillian Scott said: “My officers are currently following a positive line of enquiry to trace these two males. “However, I would ask all residents of East Kilbride and Strathaven to be aware of the descriptions and motor vehicle. “Bogus callers and rogue traders will try to obtain money from vulnerable members of our community by offering to make repairs or to carry out work to their house or garden which is often completely unnecessary and charged at an inflated price. “If you feel you require work done to your property I would always encourage that you contact an accredited tradesperson, preferably someone who has been recommended by a friend or family member. “Unfortunately bogus workmen are very convincing and always appear very plausible. “When dealing with these cold callers I would remind you that you should never feel pressurised into agreeing to work immediately and remember never to pay cash up front. “If a caller is suspicious or if you feel that you are being threatened and intimated contact us immediately on 999. “Gala Strathaven Gala programmes are now on sale. Copies are available from Day-to-day (Green Street), RS Mccolls, Craig’s Newsagents, the Royal Bank (Common Green), The Old Smiddy, Keystore (Barn Street) and Strathaven library. Programmes are £2 and, as well as containing all the information you need about this year’s gala week and Gala Day on June 11, they include a local business directory which makes the programme worth keeping all year round. They also have the entry form for this year’s window-spotting competition. Ducks for the gala duck race are also on sale now at Craig’s Newsagents £1 each. Ducks and programmes will be on sale in the Common Green on Saturdays, May 28 and June 4, and also at Sainsbury’s on May 28.