ELDERLY Barrhead residents have fallen victim to a cruel cold-calling operation being run by bogus workmen.

Callous thieves have stolen significant amounts of money on two separate occasions from pensioners in the last week by pretending to be professional roofers.

The calculated scheme has seen supposed workmen knock on the doors of unsuspecting residents in Hillside Road and Linnhe Drive.

Both incidents have resulted in the daring thieves making off with a four-figure sum of cash.

In one instance, the bogus workmen grabbed the money and ran, while, in another, an elderly resident was duped into paying for work which was never carried out.

Deputy chief inspector Alan Dickson has warned the town's community to be on their guard against the scam and said: "In the last week we've had two reports of elderly residents in Barrhead being approached by cold callers who are purporting to be roofers.

"The door has been chapped and they've come in offering to do roofing work.

"In one instance, a four-figure sum was stolen and in another a four-figure sum was handed over for work which was not carried out.

"What's telling for me is both these incidents have come about as a result of these people cold-calling."

He continued: "Don't engage cold-callers who come to your door on that basis. If you need a tradesman, East Ren Trading Standards will provide you with advice and they also have a Trusted Trader scheme for a range of trades.

"If anybody has seen anyone looking like a workman hanging about in these areas over the last week, please get in touch with police on the non-emergency 101 number."

Alternatively, those who may have information relating to these incidents can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be retained.