Be on the lookout for bogus workmen

On Monday, a resident of Lochlea Road answered his door to three men who claimed that his sewer was blocked.

The trio said that Scottish Water was working in the area but that they worked independently from the company, and were unable to provide ID.

When the householderthreatened to call the police, the men ran off.

Scottish Water has issued a reminder to follow the three Cs rule: card, check and call.

Residents are advised not to open the door without checking the caller’s ID, which should be passed through the letterbox, stopping conmen from forcing their way in. Check it carefully, and if in doubt, call the company.

Mark Maclaren, Scottish Water’s regional community manager, said: “When we need access to a customer’s property we normally try to contact them in advance. However, there may be occasions when we need to cold-call. All our employees carry ID badges and are happy to display these on arrival.

“Our staff and contractors never call at a customer’s home to collect money.”

Scottish Water is currently checking the manhole lifted by the bogus callers.

Inspector Alan Dickson, of Giffnock police station, told The Extra: “It’s the same message from us: don’t engage people who cold call and make sure they can verify who they say they are.

“Bogus callers are all too common in East Ren and residents need to be vigilant — well done to the man in question for not giving them the chance to gain access to his home.”