Pensioners targeted in bogus workmen crimes in West Lothian

Police in West Lothian are appealing for information and urging the public to be vigilant following four bogus workmen incidents in Livingston and Bathgate.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Mar 2017, 11:27 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 09:59 BST

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Bogus Callers have been visiting elderly people in the area trying to extort money from the vulnarable. Picture; stock imageBogus Callers have been visiting elderly people in the area trying to extort money from the vulnarable. Picture; stock image
Bogus Callers have been visiting elderly people in the area trying to extort money from the vulnarable. Picture; stock image

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The incidents took place between Monday 13 and Thursday March 16 in the Dedridge, Knightsridge, Fauldhouse and Torphichen areas.

A total of £1,700 was paid and a further £5,300 was requested from the homeowners, who are three women and a man aged between 64 and 77 years old.

In each incident, two men have attended a house claiming that they were from a company called ‘total home solutions’ or ‘total building solutions’.

They have said they previously carried out maintenance work on the property and they had noticed that further repairs were required to the roof.

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Once they have gained access to the attic they have claimed that more urgent repairs are required, requesting cash and claiming they would return to complete the work.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 4-6ins tall, in his early twenties, with short dark hair and a chubby face.

He was wearing a navy sweatshirt, with a logo that may have read ‘TZ’, and navy trousers.

The second man is described as white, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, with mousey brown hair, thin build and unshaven with marks on his face.

He was wearing a grey sweatshirt and jeans.

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Detective Constable Greig Muir of Livingston CID said: “We’re asking anyone who recognises the descriptions of the men, or who may have seen them in the Livingston or Bathgate areas recently, to get in touch as soon as possible.

“We’re also urging residents to remain vigilant if unknown or unexpected callers attend your home claiming that repairs are needed or offering to carry out maintenance work.

“We’d advise that you never to accept such offers and instead speak to a reputable local tradesperson, details of which can be found in the ‘Trusted Trader’ section of West Lothian Council’s website at www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader”

Those with information about these incidents or bogus workmen can contact Police Scotland on 101 or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.