91-year-old Carluke man victim of '˜expert conmen'

Around 12.30pm on Wednesday June 1, two men appeared at the victim’s home in Lanark Road, offering to carry out repair work at his home.

After agreeing to the work, the man paid a four-figure sum of money to the men, who later made off, without carrying out any of the repairs.

Police today (Friday) described the first man as white, aged between 50 and 59 years, around 6ft tall with a heavy build. He spoke with a Scottish accent. The second male is described as white, around 5 ft 8” and with a slim build.

It is believed that they may have used a small white van.

Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson from Airdrie Police Office said, “These people are the scourge of society who prey on the elderly or vulnerable for their own gains. My officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door to door enquiries to glean any information about these two men who are responsible for this despicable crime.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen two men matching these descriptions, the white minivan or who perhaps experienced the men knocking on their own doors, to come forward with any information.

“I understand that victims find it difficult to come forward but these people are very expert ‘conmen’ who can appear to be genuine tradespeople as they can talk in detail about repairs required to properties.

“I must urge people to be on their guard when answering the door to people purporting to be genuine workmen.

“To prey on vulnerable people and defraud them of significant sums of money is appalling and I will do everything to find those men responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact the police as soon as possible on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.