Pensioner robbed by bogus water worker

Police hunt ‘despicable’conman

Police are hunting a bogus workman who robbed an 88-year-old woman in her own home.

The doorstep conman pretended to be from the water board when he struck at the frail pensioner’s house on Hogmanay at around 12.30pm.

He claimed he was checking out water pipes to detect a leak at an address in Rashielee, Esrkine, and asked the elderly householder if he could be allowed inside.

Officers revealed that once inside he claimed he was working on a water pipe and asked the elderly lady if she could give him £25 for the work.

The pensioner went upstairs and got the cash and paid him while he was downstairs in her home.

The bogus workman then said he had to go upstairs in the property to check out another pipe, and he then discovered the elderly lady’s money.

The brute then fled the property with a three-figure sum.

The elderly householder was uninjured in the incident but has been left badly shaken by her ordeal.

Police who are appealing for help in tracing the culprit described his actions as “despicable.”

Inspector Cassie Glass said: “We are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with police.

“The woman was targeted by a man claiming to be from the water authority who went on to steal from her in her own home. “It was despicable.” The suspect is believed to have left the woman’s property and got into a silver grey car before driving away.

Inspector Glass added: “We are urging householders to remain vigilant and not to admit people to their homes without checking first they are bona fide tradesman.”

Residents are advised to ask workmen for ID, call the company themselves and if they are still unsure to ring police.

Hogmanay’s incident follows shortly after an 82- year- old pensioner was robbed in her own home on Boxing Day in the same manner.

The crook struck at Nith Place on Johnstone, again claiming to be from the water board.

When he got inside he stole her handbag, cash, bank cards — and even her bus pass.

Anyone with information about these incidents or with suspicions about a bogus workman is urged to contact police on their non emergency 101 contact number.

Alternatively, people with details can ring CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.