Fife pensioner conned out of three-figure sum by bogus workman

The incident happened on May 18 but wasn't reported until last week. Stock picture.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident in Cowdenbeath.

The incident took place at around noon on Wednesday, May 18, and was reported the following Tuesday (May 24).

A man attended a property on Gordon Street and claimed he’d carried out maintenance work on the roof and required payment.

The homeowner, a woman in her 70s, then paid him a three-figure sum of money.

The suspect is described as 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with dark hair and wearing grey tracksuit bottoms.

He was travelling in a small white unmarked van with ladders on the rood.

Inspector Ian Stephen of Cowdenbeath said: “We’re asking anyone with information about this incident, or who recognises the description of the suspect, to get in touch.

“We’d also urge people to be wary of unknown callers attending their homes offering or claiming to have carried out some kind of maintenance work.

“Call a trusted friend, relative, neighbour or police if you are unsure or are made to feel intimated or pressured by a caller.

“If you have been victim of this type of crime, don’t be embarrassed to contact us as we’ll do all we can to support you and bring the perpetrator to justice.

“For advice on how to safeguard yourself from this time of crime you can visit your local station, contact Cowdenbeath Community Policing Team via 101 or email [email protected].”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.