Bogus workman steals jewellery from 91-year-old woman

Elderly and vulnerable people warned to be on their guard after man cons his way into home

Tayside residents have been told to be on their guard after a 91-year-old woman was targeted by a bogus workman.

The woman, who lives in the Brackens area of Dundee, had jewellery stolen during the incident on Wednesday.

At around 4.30pm, a man turned up at her home offering satellite TV repair services.

The man checked the satellite dish outside her home and the victim then allowed him inside to check the TV.

He then asked if he could use the bathroom, to which the victim reluctantly agreed.

He left straight afterwards and the woman noticed a short time later that some jewellery had been taken. She then called the police. The man is described as being 6ft 1in, and was wearing a navy jacket with a black logo.

POLICE SPOKESMAN

Police are now warning the public to be aware when they receive cold callers or workmen who arrive unannounced at their door and offer services such as building work and repair services, gardening work, the removal of rubbish, or general tidying up.

A spokesman said: “Very often it is the home addresses of the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community that they call on.

“Every year, Tayside Division receives complaints from householders who have been left out of pocket due to so-called workmen who vanished, leaving jobs half-done, or badly finished, typically having received a large cash sum in advance.

“With no contact details, contract, invoice or business card, the victim has no way of tracing the workmen or so-called company. There are also bogus callers who knock at a door, claiming to represent a company or authority, with the sole intention of conning their way in, distracting the householder and stealing from them.”

Anyone who has information regarding bogus workmen can contact Tayside Division on 101.

Details such as vehicle registration numbers and descriptions of the individuals involved are invaluable.

People can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

With no contact details, contract, invoice or business card, the victim has no way of tracing the workmen or so-called company.