Bogus workmen target 81-year-old's home before stealing cash

Police are hunting a group of bogus workmen who robbed a pensioner’s home in West Lothian.

Three men gained entry to the 81-year-old woman’s Bathgate home after pretending they were from the water board and had to check her pipes.

The suspects targeted the house in Seafield Rows on Sunday evening between 5pm and 5.10pm.

A short time later the woman confronted the men when she became suspicious of the visit.

The trio quickly left the house however she discovered a quantity of jewellery and a four-figure sum of cash was missing.

The first suspect is described as white aged 30-40 years, 5ft10 and of slim build. He was wearing an orange baseball cap and an orange waterproof jacket. He spoke with an Irish accent.

The second suspect was white and he was wearing dark clothing along with a black face mask.

The third man was white and he was also wearing dark clothing.

Detective sergeant Lee McCall said: “These types of crimes were carried out by cowardly individuals who has absolutely no respect or vulnerable members of our society. It is totally unacceptable to have elderly people feeling vulnerable within their own homes.

“This woman is deeply upset by this theft and I would urge anyone who saw these two men hanging about in the area, or think they know their identity to contact us. I would also be keen to hear from anyone with private footage that may have caught anything significant to our enquiry.

“There may be other people in the area who have been approached by these men, who haven’t yet come forward to police. If you have had someone at your door recently that you were unsure of, or if an elderly relative has informed you of an incident, I would like to hear from you.

“Anyone who can assist with this police investigation is asked to contact officers through 101 with reference 3511 of 31 October.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”