Bogus callers con woman, 91, out of hundreds

A 91-YEAR-OLD woman has been conned out of hundreds of pounds by bogus workmen in West Lothian.

The con artists struck on Friday

The incident happened at around 10am on Friday morning, at an address in Meadowhead Place, Addiewell, when workmen calling themselves Martin’s Tree Care arrived to cut a hedge.

They refused to give the victim a price before they started the work, and afterwards demanded a three-figure sum for just an hour’s work.

When the householder went upstairs to look for the money, one of the men entered her house.

They left in a small white van with green writing on the side.

Officers are now urging anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.

One of the men was around 30 with black hair that was short at the sides and long on top.

The second man was around 50, around 5ft 7in tall with grey hair.

Police Constable Gary Beattie from Whitburn Police Station said: “Bogus workmen target the most vulnerable people in our society but anyone can fall foul of their criminal techniques – they are professional con artists.

“On this occasion a 91-year-old woman has been charged an exorbitant sum of money for an hour’s work and we are very keen to trace the individuals responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.