Bogus workman robs woman (71) in Uddingston home

Dec 23 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

Bogus workman robs woman (71) in Uddingston home

A 71-year-old woman has been left traumatised after a callous conman made off with £800 after tricking his way into her home.

The heartless crook duped the pensioner into believing he was from Scottish Water when he called at her home in Generals Gate, Uddingston, last Wednesday at 3.45pm.

She opened her door to the man, who said he was in the area to turn off the water supply.

The slick crook even showed her an ID with a photograph.

The woman told the crook that her husband wasn’t at home and that he should call back later.

But the bogus workman seized the opportunity and barged his way into her home.

He went into her kitchen and pretended to turn off the water supply.

The man then made some excuses and left.

The OAP later noticed footprints in her bedroom and discovered that £500 was stolen from there.

She then found that a further £300 was missing from her living room.

The devastated pensioner contacted her daughter and her husband and then raised the alarm with police.

The suspect is described as 30 to 40 years old about 5ft tall. He was wearing a black jacket and black trousers and spoke with an English accent.

A Hamilton Police spokesman has appealed for witnesses to come forward before the man strikes again.

“It is disgusting that this man has targeted an elderly member of society,” he said.

“I would urge householders to be on the look-out for this man and to keep an eye on the elderly and vulnerable.

“If people are concerned, they should report any incidents of suspicious activity to police straight away.”

Anyone with information on the above incident should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300 or telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and callers can remain anonymous.