Dodgy gardeners con OAP out of cash ... and then go back for more

Callous crooks failed to carry out any work promised

Detectives are hunting bogus gardeners who duped a vulnerable pensioner out of a fourfigure sum of cash.

A 70-year-old man was targeted by two callous crooks offering to do work in his garden in Gilmartin Road, Linwood, on Saturday afternoon.

The elderly home owner paid the pair to carry out work in his garden but they left it untouched.

However, they returned at 2pm demanding more money for more work.

When the elderly resident went inside to get the cash, he was distracted by one of the cowardly bogus workers as the other thief grabbed a four-figure sum of cash before they both made off.

The man was left shaken by the incident and now cops are working hard to trace those responsible and have warned other local residents to do everything they can to guard against bogus workmen.

Sergeant Alan Mack, who is based in Johnstone, has appealed for witnesses to come forward as cops race to track the crooks before they strike again.

He said: “This was a vulnerable man on his own who has been targeted by these despicable thieves. He had asked for gardening work to be done in his garden but it never was.

“We have been carrying out door to door enquiries and CID have been informed.

“A scenes of crime team has also attended at the property and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace those involved.

“I would ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Gilmartin Road area at 2pm on Saturday to get in contact with police on 101.

“I would also urge everyone, especially more vulnerable people in our communities and their families, to be aware that there are bogus workmen operating in the area.

“If they have any suspicions at all then they should contact the police immediately.”