Cops aim to root out the tree crooks

Two men posing as tree fellers ripped off an elderly couple – then stole the 88- year- old husband’s wallet.

They struck at a Barassie villa using a bogus story that they needed to cut overhanging branches from the next door garden.

As well as wanting £ 100 for the crooked job, one of the men looted the man’s bedroom, taking his wallet with £ 80 inside.

The pair – thought to be travelling criminals – were in a white Ford Transit pick- up and are both described as tanned and larger- built.

The incident occurred around 4pm on Saturday in quiet Hillhouse Road.

The deceitful duo told them their neighbours had been complaining about the trees.

The lady of the house, also aged 88, agreed to the job as she had not wanted to offend her neighbours.

When the couple asked for a receipt, the crooks claimed she had only given them £ 10. They left in a hurry after the neighbours returned home.

Now homeowners in the town are being told to stop hiring dodgy- types who cold call as it encourages them back.

Ruaridh McKellar, owner of Troon- based McKellars of Ayrshire, said: “It is an unwritten rule in the tree surgery community that you don’t go knocking on folks’ doors. It just gives professional tree surgeons a bad name.”

And concerned resident Amme Anne added: “The couple are very shaken and the garden was left in a terrible state.

“The police have been extremely helpful. They were two shaven- headed men – dreadful people preying on the elderly.”

Troon police are aware of ongoing issues and are monitoring the situation.