Bogus workman cons Glasgow pensioner out of cash

We are being warned to be vigilant following a bogus caller incident in Claddens Street, Glasgow, on Monday 20 November 2017.

At around 1:30pm an 87 year old woman heard a knock at the door.

She opened the door to a man who claimed he was there to check her plugs and sockets because there had been a flood nearby.

The man then left her home and headed in the direction of Claddens Quadrant and the woman soon discovered her purse containing a two figure sum of money had been stolen.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 10 in height, of medium build, between 40 and 50 years old, with short tidy brown hair, and was wearing a dark blue anorak and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Peter Chatham said: 'Bogus callers regularly prey on the elderly and they can be extremely convincing when they come to the door. It is absolutely vital that we raise awareness of their criminal activities and ensure people know how to avoid becoming victims.

'We would advise that if someone comes to your door claiming to be a tradesman that you ask for their identification, and if you are still unsure, call the company to verify that they should be there. Never allow someone into your home before you know that they have a legitimate reason to be there.

'Keep handbags, purses and other valuables out of sight in a secure place and never provide any financial information unless you are certain that you should be doing so and that it is going to the right person or company.

'We would also ask members of the public to ensure their elderly relatives and neighbours know about the dangers of bogus callers and that they are aware of the relevant safety advice.

'We would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Claddens Street or Claddens Quadrant on Monday afternoon, who may have noticed a man matching the above description or anything else suspicious, to please get in touch.

'Anyone with information can contact the Community Investigation Unit based at Govan via 101, quoting incident number 1744 of Monday 20 November 2017. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.'