Police in Fife are appealing for witnesses following bogus workmen incidents in Ballingry and Lochore.
The first incident happened between 11am and 3pm on Thursday on Ballingry Road, Ballingry and the second between 2pm and 5pm on Lochleven Gardens, Lochore on Friday.
Three men targeted an elderly victim at each address, claiming there was a problem with their roof and asked to inspect their loft.
Both victims were then told they had a problem with woodworm, and paid out large sums of cash with very little or no work being done.
The first suspect is described as aged between 16 and 20 years-old, of medium build with short brown hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt and dark trousers.
The second man is described as aged in his mid 50s, about 5ft 6in, with close cropped dark hair and stubble. He was wearing a red top.
The third suspect is described as in his late 20s, chubby, thick short dark hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a grey zipped sweatshirt and dark trousers.
Detective Sergeant Kelly McEwan, of Dunfermline CID, said: “Bogus workmen can be very convincing, but I’d like to remind people to never hand over large sums of cash to workmen upfront.
“Don’t allow anyone to undertake work unless you’re happy with their credentials – even if they claim to be from a company who’ve done work for you before.
“If you need advice on finding a reputable trader, visit Fife Council’s Trust Trader Scheme at
fifedirect.org.uk/trustedtrader
.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
