Television conmen are at large in retail parks within the Cumbernauld area

Anyone who imagines that the sets are from a reputable superstore in out-of-town locations would be mistaken

For the televisions are in fact being sold from the back of a van and police say they’ve been plundered from a recycling facility.

In a move that police have linked to the travelling community, potential customers are being approached by individuals who claim to have a great deal in store.

A bubble-wrapped television is then produced and cash is handed over, only for the new owner to find out later that the set doesn’t work.

Councillor Michael McPake who is convenor of North Lanarkshire Council’s Environmental Services Committee which oversees Trading Standards wants to warn readers that the offer is not all it seems.

He confirmed: “Police Scotland and ourselves are aware of several incidents over the last few months in the Cumbernauld, Castlecary and Moodiesburn areas.

“We would advise people not to buy these televisions which are either reconditioned or not working.

“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”