Police are trying to track down a gang of bogus plumbers after a three-figure sum was stolen from a 92-year-old Perth man.
The incident happened between on Friday between 11.15am and 11.30am in Langside Place, Letham, when the elderly gentleman answered a knock at the door and found a man claiming to be from a plumbing firm.
The caller presented a blue business card to try to reinforce his credentials. A second man was also seen walking along the road at the end of the path.
A police spokesman said: ”The caller said he needed to gain entry as there was a problem with the water supply, namely that the water was discoloured and potentially toxic.
”He went into the kitchen and looked under the sink unit, with the householder next to him, then, after a couple of minutes he declared the problem fixed and left.
”Suspicious of his behaviour the householder looked about his property and discovered that there was cash missing and it appeared that he had been distracted by the bogus plumber, while someone else had sneaked into his home.”
The bogus caller is described as being in his early 30s, 5ft 5in and was wearing a light beanie-style hat. There is no further description of the other man, seen at the end of the path.
As well as seeking to identify the men, officers also want to trace a goods van that was seen in the area the previous Tuesday, and on the date in question.
It was possibly a white Transit-style van, with yellow around the top and roof. It had ladders loaded on its roof.
Community safety sergeant Steve Sangster said: ”People should be on their guard against this type of crime, especially if they have elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
”Often the pressure to get something sorted or repaired presents an ideal opportunity for this type of criminal activity to be used, as the criminal seeks to obtain cash or property by distraction or fraudulent means.
”Residents should be aware of everyone who comes to their door. These criminals usually operate in small teams of two or three.
“Be suspicious of anyone cold calling offering to do work or to fix a problem you have no prior knowledge of. Do not let yourself become a victim.”
Photo by Flickr user DaveBleasdale