Warning after bogus callers rob man, 83

Published 13 Jan 2010 15:03 7 Comments

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SICK CON: The pensioner was targeted in Manse Court

By Ewan McInnes

DESPICABLE thieves targeted an elderly pensioner conning and robbing him of cash.

Between midday and 2pm last Tuesday (January 5), the 83-year-old man was duped by the bogus callers when he answered the door to them at his home in Manse Court, Barrhead.

The two men said that they were from the water board and demanded that he hand over £50 to repair a burst water main.

After showing the OAP some form of identification which was around their necks they managed to gain entry to his home.

The man gave one of the con men £33 from his wallet and whilst speaking to him, the second man stole a further sum from the fireplace in the living room.

Although uninjured, the man has been left extremely traumatised and shaken by the incident.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and are warning people to be extra vigilant following this incident.

The suspects are described as being white men between 5ft 8 and 5ft 9 in height and both were wearing a working jacket and trousers.

Leading the enquiries into the heart-breaking theft, Detective Sergeant Alan Harvie said: "These men have preyed on a vulnerable member of the community and it is vital that we trace them.

"I would urge residents to be extremely careful about letting people that they don't know or recognise into their homes.

"If they don't recognise the voice of someone at their door or the voice on the other end of their secured entry intercom, then they shouldn't let them in.

"Simply don't let anyone in unless you are expecting them or they can show you legitimate identification."

He continued: "I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident, or any local residents who recognise the description of the suspect, or saw anyone hanging around in the vicinity acting suspiciously, to contact their local police office as a matter of urgency."

Giffnock CID can contacted on 0141 532 5757 or alternatively, information can be given to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

This article appeared in Barrhead News 13 Jan 10

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Jon Miller
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Jan 29, 23:18
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My word, i was delighted to hear that it is possible to live to 83 in barrhead.

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James H
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Feb 2, 09:38
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It's great to hear the council are finally acknowledging that this is a problem. I know loads of people who've been duped by dodgy conmen, and although it wasn't to the same extent as this old gentleman, it was still pretty bad. They should just completely abolish door to door slaesmen and that would solve everything.

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Helen
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Feb 2, 09:41
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I was duped by someone a couple of years ago who tried to sale me doubleglazing at the door. He badgered me for ages, so I ended up inviting him in so that he could see that I didn't need it. I know it was a silly thing to do but I was just desperate for him to get away. Luckily for me, my daughter popped round about five minutes later and told him where to go. If it wasn't for her, who knows what I'd have done, and what this 'doubleglazing' would have cost.

Time to bar these salesmen.

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GH
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Feb 2, 09:44
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Sorry to all the genuine door to door salespeople out there - but even you're a pain. If I want something, I'll visit the shop or call someone myself, I don't need you doorstepping or ringing me. I can handle it, but my wife doesn't like being rude to people - so all we need is for me to be out one day, her to answer the door, and we could end up with loads of stuff we don't need.

All this kind of stuff should be banned. Sorry if it affects businesses, but there are too many honest people being conned, and let's face it - a banging knock at the door from someone they don't know would terrify an old person.

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Simon
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Feb 2, 09:47
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I feel sorry for this old men and glad that the council is finally looking out for these kind of people. I just looked up the council website to find a big list of things to watch out for and numbers to call if you're suspicious of a dealer. There seems to be a lot of good information that really will help, and though I know a lot of elderly people don't have internet access hopefully they'll put the stuff into print. That would be ideal. But finally. Never thought I'd say it. But congratulations to the council.

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Kara P
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Feb 2, 09:50
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I work with a lot of old people and they get quite scared even when I knock the door, and they know me. Who knows what happens to them when someone they don't know tries to talk to them. I feel so sorry for this old man, and for all the other old people who will be duped in this way. The new council guidelines I've just looked over are a start, but really, door to door trading shouldn't be allowed.

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Peter L
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Feb 2, 09:53
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This is the kind of thing I worry that will happen to my mother. She's a bright spark, but you never know, and the fact that it's happening in Barrhead is worrying. It's not the first time either. With all the technology around, surely there's something they can do to catch these people. Thugs.

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