Man (61) robbed of life savings by three thieves posing as cops

Dec 9 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A MAN’S Christmas has been ruined after he was robbed of his £20,000 life savings by three heartless thieves posing as police officers.

The trio, who were wearing high-visibility jackets, made off with the cash after tricking their way into the 61-year-old’s home in Blantyre’s Farm Road at 5.15pm last Thursday.

The victim’s ordeal began when the gang knocked on his front door and told him they were probing a robbery in the area.

Thinking that they needed help, he invited them into his home. The conmen then managed to get the householder to hand over £20,000.

The thieves fled the house with the money and made off in a white van in the direction of the town’s Station Road.

Two of the suspects were wearing dark baseball caps and the other, who is believed to be around 6ft tall, had short shaven hair.

Police are warning residents to be extra-vigilant following this incident and urge them to report any suspicious activity in the area.

Detective Constable Jim Conway, of Hamilton CID, has appealed for witnesses before the trio strike again.

“The people who commit this kind of crime have no conscience at all,” he said.

“They prey on vulnerable people and dupe them into handing over large sums of money which they just cannot afford, particularly in these times.

“They will have no hesitation in targeting other victims so it is vital that they are traced.

“We believe that the van the men were travelling in was parked near the shops on Farm Road.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the men or who may have any information about the incident to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency.”

He added: “I would also like to remind everyone that police officers always carry their warrant cards with them and would show this to the public when making enquiries.

“If you have any doubts about anyone at your door, then the best advice is not to let them in.

“Furthermore, if any member of the public has experienced a similar incident, then they must get in touch with us and report it if they haven’t already done so.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Conway at Hamilton CID on 483300 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.