Police probe bogus workmen

Police are reminding West Lothian householders to be vigilant after an elderly man was a victim of bogus callers in Whitburn.

Around 9am on Tuesday, August 4, two men attended a house in Whitburn unannounced, claiming to be carrying out work for a neighbour.

They convinced the 85-year-old victim to hand over a four-figure sum of cash in relation to scaffolding they needed to erect. The men then left the area and did not return.

Officers have spoken to neighbouring properties who said no work was being carried out in the area by these men, or anyone connected to them.

One of the male suspects is described as short – just over five feet, in his early 40s, of slim build with black hair. He was smartly dressed.

And the second man was around six feet tall with black hair, unshaven and looked unkempt.

They drove a long, grey car – possibly an estate – with ladders on top attached to a roof rack.

Detective Sergeant Peter Baxter, of Livingston Police Station, said: “It’s disappointing that these incidents continue to take place and it saddens us that vulnerable people fall prey to these types of scams.

“I’m appealing to anyone who may have been approached by these men at your property.

“If you have any CCTV of dashcam footage, please let police know, quoting incident number 1350 of 4 August.

“We want to make sure that the people in our communities are kept safe and informed and I would urge you to speak to elderly or vulnerable family and friends to advise them of bogus caller incidents like this one and reduce the likelihood of them becoming a victim.

“There are simple steps you can take avoid this type of crime. For example, don’t let callers into your house unless they have an appointment and have confirmed they’re genuine traders.”