Bogus workmen target elderly woman

Police are hunting bogus workmen who conned a pensioner out of hundreds of pounds. The 86- year- old woman was targeted in Livingston when three men and a child demanded money for washing her driveway.

The incident took place between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday, October 4, when the group attended the home of the elderly woman in Eliburn.

The three men pressured her into agreeing to allow them to wash her driveway, while the young boy asked to use the bathroom.

One of the men later asked for payment and was given £50 but claimed this was not enough.

The woman then gave the man another £400, leaving him and the child alone downstairs for a brief period of time, before the man demanded further payment.

The victim refused to hand over any more money and the men and child left.

However, the victim later discovered that items of sentimental value, including china, were missing from the house.

Officers have been conducting various enquiries since this was reported to police by a family member on Tuesday, October 9, and are now asking for the public’s help to identify those involved.

The first man is described as white, in his sixties, five feet 10 inches tall, of slim build and with grey hair. The second is described as white, in his forties, five feet 10 inches tall, of stocky build with dark hair.

The third man is described as being white, in his late teens, five feet eight inches tall of average build with red hair. The child is described as white, around 11 years old, four feet nine inches tall, of slim build with dark hair.

The four are believed to have been travelling in a silver Transit-style vehicle.

Constable Kyshiea Nowicki from Livingston Police Station said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who was made to feel intimidated in her own home.

“We are eager to speak to anyone else who may have been approached by these men, or who may recognise their descriptions.

“As always, we’d urge people to be vigilant if an unknown caller attends your property offering to carry out any work.

“If you have any concerns whatsoever about their intentions, please call a family member, a trusted friend neighbour or police.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0888 of the 9th October, report this anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.