Police are hunting a callous thief in Highland Perthshire who persuaded two women in their 90s to hand over a three-figure sum of cash.
The man called at their Kenmore home at around 4pm on Tuesday to carry out maintenance work on their roof. He then managed to con the women into parting with the cash for work that was never carried out.
Highland councillor Ian Campbell said the “dastardly” theft highlighted how people needed to be on their guard.
“People should be careful at this time of year of bogus workmen,” he said. “The police recently at every community council meeting have been warning about this very issue.”
Chairman of Kenmore Community Council David Fox-Pitt said: “We were just speaking last week about how crime is so low here, so it’s very disappointing and very sad to hear that. We have to try to catch them.”
The suspect is described as being between 20 and 30, of medium build, with dark, short hair. He was wearing dark clothing.
Officers are also keen to trace a small blue car, described as being similar to a Citroen C1, that was seen in the area.
Anyone with information that could assist the police should contact them on 101 or speak to any officer.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.