Police warning after cold callers target 86-year-old woman

Police are urging Dundee householders to be on their guard after a suspicious incident at the home of an 86-year-old woman.

Two men claiming to be maintenance workers repairing a fence called at her address in Moncur Crescent around 11am on Wednesday.

As they went indoors, one of the men claimed they would need payment in advance. The woman was suspicious and asked them to leave.

She followed them outside but one of the men then ran back indoors before reappearing soon after and leaving with his companion in a white Ford Transit van.

The first man is in his 30s, about 6ft, heavily built with black swept-back hair. He was wearing a waxed jacket and brown shoes.

The second in his 20s, 5ft 8in, slim and with short dark hair.

Inspector Julie Robertson said: ”Often the pressure to get something sorted or repaired presents an ideal opportunity for this type of criminal activity, as the criminal seeks to obtain cash or property by distraction or fraudulent means.

”Please be wary of everyone who comes to your door. Be suspicious of anyone cold calling, offering to do work or to fix a problem you have no prior knowledge of.”