Bogus workmen rob 84-year-old EK woman

Jul 14 2010 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

BOGUS workmen posing as kitchen fitters conned their way into the home of an elderly householder and robbed her of a significant sum of cash.

The incident happened at about 2pm on Tuesday, July 6, in Dick’s Park in The Murray.

The men knocked on the 84-year-old victim’s door and one of them claimed he was a kitchen fitter working at a house nearby and required access to her home to check that her water supply hadn’t been affected by the work.

One of the men kept her in conversation while his accomplice sneaked upstairs and stole cash the householder had in her bedroom. The theft was only discovered sometime later.

The men left the property on foot and it is unknown whether or not they had a vehicle nearby.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the pair in the area, or who has been approached by anyone claiming to be workmen, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

Police Constable Tom Skelton, of the community safety department at East Kilbride Police Office said the crime was “despicable”.

He added: “We are anxious to catch these people before they get the chance to target other vulnerable people.

“I would ask anyone who thinks they saw the duo in the area to get in touch with East Kilbride Police Office as soon as possible on 01355 564000.”

Alternatively, people can dial Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information given will be treated in confidence.

In the meantime, police are urging people not to let anyone into their homes unless they are absolutely certain of their identity.

Legitimate workmen will give warning of their arrival and will have proper means of identification. They will also be happy to return after householders have had time to check out their identity with the organisation involved.

When making enquiries about workmen, check any telephone number through the phonebook or directory inquiries. Do not accept any phone number they give as they could be working with accomplices, and, if in doubt about their legitimacy, telephone the police.