An Edinburgh man stopped two conmen in their tracks as they tried to swindle an elderly neighbour out of hundreds of pounds in Balerno.
The hero, Michael Andrews-Reading, noticed that his elderly neighbour was in distress as two suspicious characters tried to guide the woman to a cash machine to pay for driveway cleaning.
He said that the two men, who were said to have Irish accents and drove a white transit van, approached the woman’s home in Newmills Crescent in Edinburgh on Monday June 7.
They apparently convinced the homeowner that she needed her driveway cleaned and proceeded to demand payment to the tune of £410 up front.
He was able to stop the con from taking place as the two males attempted to force the woman to a cashpoint.
Sharing their recollection of the event, Michael shared: “Thought I'd give a heads up, we had two men in a white van at Newmills today. They persuaded an elderly neighbour that her driveway needed cleaning, and then demanded £410 in cash.
“They said they had to have it immediately. I managed to intervene as she was being escorted to a cashpoint in the village, and after yelling abuse at me they left - once I told them I had their licence plate and mobile phone details from their van.
“It's worth keeping an eye open in case they return to the neighbourhood, and look out for any elderly/vulnerable neighbours.
“If you spot them, please call the Police on 101 and quote Incident 2625 of June 7 2022.”
Police confirm that they were made aware of the troubling incident and they offered advice to anyone in the area to be vigilant towards cons.
Inspector Keith Forrester of Wester Hailes Police Station said : “Officers are carrying out enquiries after a bogus workmen incident at Newmills Crescent, Balerno on Tuesday, 7 June, 2022.
“I would remind all residents to be wary of anyone arriving unannounced at their door and ensure they keep their property secure.
“Rogue traders often target elderly or vulnerable people, offering to carry out work and then charging inflated prices for shoddy work that often isn’t needed.
“I do not recommend dealing with cold callers. Do not let anyone in until you are certain of who they are, or who they work for.
“Ask to see their identification as bona fide tradespeople will not be offended and will be happy to provide genuine identification.
“I would also ask neighbours to look out for one another – particularly if they have elderly or vulnerable neighbours - and report any suspicious activity to the police.
“Details such as vehicle registration numbers and descriptions of the individuals involved are invaluable to police.
“For further information and advice, please visit our website here.
“Anyone who has information regarding this bogus caller incident or others, please can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2625 of 7 June. People can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
