Bogus workmen hunted after conning thousands from West Lothian pensioner
They stole from her over the space of a week
Police are hunting three workmen'' who conned an elderly West Lothian woman out of thousands of pounds by pretending to repair her roof.
The men convinced the 71-year-old she needed work carried out on her home in Whitburn, West Lothian, and visited the property a number of times between Thursday April 21 and Friday April 29.
On each occasion the woman either handed over money from the house or was driven to a bank by the men to get cash, police said.
A suspicious neighbour visited the woman to check the loft of the house and found that no work had been carried out.
All three men are white and travelled in a white van with ladders on the roof.
The first man is aged in his 30s, 5ft 10in with an average build, short brown/grey curly hair and a scruffy appearance''.
He was wearing a dark fleece, blue jeans with a large belt buckle and black boots.
The second suspect is also in his 30s, around 5ft 6in with an average build, and short dark hair in a middle parting. He was wearing a black jacket, dark jeans and a hat.
The third man is in his 40s, around 5ft 5in with a slim build, short dark curly hair and glasses. He was wearing black trousers and a black jumper and may have Parkinson's disease, police said.
Officers are said to be following several lines of inquiry. Detective Constable Debbie Trotter said: After successfully conning the elderly victim out of a large sum of cash during their first visit, the suspects returned on further occasions and once again were able to secure more money.
This resulted in the woman losing a four-figure sum of cash with no work having been carried out on her property.
We are actively pursuing these individuals and would ask that anyone who recognises their description, or who has information that can help us identify them, contacts police immediately.
Our communities are reminded never to let unsolicited callers into your home unless you are absolutely certain they are genuine.
Always ask for appropriate identification and if you are not satisfied with who they claim to be, do not allow them entry and contact police immediately.''
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.