COPS ISSUE WARNING AFTER SWINDLERS STRIKE GARDENING CROOKS CON OAP OUT OF THOUSANDS
Man, 82, loses five-figure sum to bogus workmen
Conmen swindled an 82-yearold Paisley man out of tens of thousands of pounds after posing as gardeners.
The crooks turned up at the pensioner’s door offering to tidy his yard.
But they carried out minimal
work — pocketing a huge sum over a month.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley’s community policing team, believes neighbours may hold the key to catching the culprits.
She said: “This was a despicable crime committed against an older man. The men were seen carrying out some work in the grounds. They returned to the property more than once. We would appeal for anybody who may have seen them to come forward.
“You may have seen suspicious vans or men working in gardens that you did not recognise.
“You may have been approached and asked if you need gardening work carried out. If so, we would like to hear from you.”
At least two men targeted the OAP at his home in Ralston’s Buchlyvie Road.
They appeared in June — before returning and offering to carry out further work over the following weeks.
They took a five-figure sum from the man and then returned to collect several sums reaching into four figures.
Officers say they are carrying out doorto-door enquires and checking CCTV from the area.
They have urged those living and working nearby to get in contact if they were approached.
Police have also asked neighbours to check their home safety cameras and dashcams for sightings.
Families are encouraged to help look out for elderly friends and relatives.
Inspector Harkins has urged caution when approached with offers of unsolicited work.
She added: “I would urge people to be vigilant when approached by cold callers.
“Under no circumstances, should they be let inside your home. Always ask for and check identification. Staff from reputable companies will carry credentials.
“Always call the company direct to verify whether their staff are at your door.
“If you have any concerns at all, do not hesitate to call the police on 101 or 999 if you feel threatened.”
As previously reported in the Express, cops are hunting bogus callers who tricked their way into a 86-year-old woman’s home.
They targeted the pensioner in Paisley’s Saucel Hill Terrace.
One distracted her, while the other rifled through her handbag and stole £200 in cash.
They fled before their victim realised what happened.