Hunt in Perth for men who stole from woman, 90

PertH: Police appeal over ‘deplorable’ bogus workmen

Bogus workmen who targeted a 90-year-old woman at her home in Perth have been branded “deplorable”.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses after crooks went to the pensioner’s Feus Road property and offered to do some gardening work. But after they left, the woman realised her handbag, containing a purse and bank cards, had been snatched.

The conmen – thought to be in their 20s – are now being hunted by police.

Neighbours said they made their escape by bus.

Councillor Callum Gillies urged people to always ask doorstep callers for ID. “What these people are doing is just deplorable,” he said.

“They seem to deliberately go to the homes of elderly people and try and confuse and bamboozle them, telling them they need gardening work when they don’t.”

Police are hunting bogus workmen who targeted a 90-year-old woman at her home in Perth and made off with her handbag.

The pair visited the victim’s property in Feus Road on Thursday evening and offered to carry out some gardening work.

But shortly afterwards the pensioner noticed that her handbag had been stolen. It contained a purse and bank cards.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Officers are keen to trace two men in connection with the incident.

“One is described as mid 20s, of thin build, short fair hair, full-length beige waterproof jacket and light-coloured trousers.”

He said the other was said to be short and stocky, and was wearing dark clothing and a waist-length waterproof jacket.

Perth City North councillor Callum Gillies said: “What these people are doing is just deplorable.

“They seem to deliberately go to the homes of elderly people and try and confuse and bamboozle them, telling them they need gardening work when they don’t.”

He said: “It is so important that people check for IDs from anyone who calls at their door and make sure they are bona fide.

“And if they have a vehicle with them, make sure you get a note of the registration.”

Police spent most of Friday carrying out door-to-door inquiries around the neighbourhood. They were investigating claims that the men were spotted on a number 10A bus.

One Feus Road resident said the incident had shocked the community.

“This is just pure evil,” she said. “They don’t realise the hurt and pain they leave behind.

“Thankfully this woman wasn’t physically harmed.”

Earlier this week, a 33-year-old man appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court accused of targeting a 96-year-old woman in a “bogus caller” theft.

John Reid faced one charge of theft and four charges of being found in a building where it may be inferred he intended to commit theft.

Anyone with any information about the Feus Road incident is urged to call Police Scotland’s Tayside Division on 101 quoting CR/6005/17.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In November, another Perth pensioner fell foul of bogus workmen who fraudulently told her that thousands of pounds worth of roof repairs were needed on her house in Oakbank.

Itisso important that people check for IDs from anyone who calls at their door and make sure they are bona fide. COUNCILLOR CALLUM GILLIES