Cold callers strike in North Lanarkshire

Mar 17 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE are urging the public to be on their guard after two more reports of bogus callers operating in Motherwell and Bellshill.

The incidents, which appear to be linked, took place on Thursday, March 10, at a house on Douglas Drive, Bellshill, at 9am, and then at 11am on Elvan Street, Motherwell.

In the first case, the 82-year-old victim answered his front door to a man who asked for money for roofing work he had allegedly carried out.

The brave pensioner challenged the conman and refused to pay as he was sure the work had not been done.

The suspect was described as between 30 to 39-years-old, 5’ 10, of stocky build and wearing a dark jacket.

He was driving a grey Ford Mondeo car and told the pensioner his name was Mr Stewart.

Two hours later in Motherwell, an 85-year-old man answered his door to a man of a similar description.

The conman asked the pensioner to hand over £1200 for roughcasting work he claimed he had carried out on the side of the man’s house.

Again, the homeowner refused to pay and contacted the police with a description.

He was described as being around 5’8 to 6’, with stocky build and dark brown hair. He was a dark jacket and charcoal-coloured jeans. The suspect also had a round/chubby face..

This type of incident has become common in Lanarkshire and community safety officer at Bellshill police, PC Alan Mulholland, chairman of the Bogus Caller Task Force in North Lanarkshire, is urging members of the public to be vigilant.

He said: “This type of incident is not uncommon for scammers to try and trick people into thinking they have had work carried out on their property.

“They target mostly elderly members of our community as they can often trick them into thinking they have done a good deed.

“This type of incident is classified as attempted fraud and is treated very seriously by the police and is robustly investigated.

“I would advise anyone who has someone calling at their door to be cautious and never be fooled by someone you don't know.

“If you have had work completed on your property, you will be very sure as to what was done and who has done it.”

He continued: “You should chain the front door and never allow any cold caller access to your house, if in doubt then call the police for assistance.

“If you have agreed to have work completed on your property then make sure you have received the necessary notices of work which is to be carried out and ensure you get more than one quote to make sure you get the best deal.

“You can pick up a no cold-calling sticker from your local police office which can be placed on the front door warning any cold callers off.

“The police also offer an educational DVD and booklets which can be shown to any groups in the area to enhance the awareness of these types of incidents.

“If you know who may be responsible for the incident or have any information please contact Bellshill Police direct on 01698 202400 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”