bogus workmen – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Be wary: bogus workmen incidents in Corstorphine

Police are appealing for information after two “bogus workman” incidents in the Corstorphine area.

The first incident happened at a property on Broomhall Avenue and was reported around 12.35pm Wednesday (21 April).

Two unidentified men claimed to have carried out work on a neighbour’s roof which had extended to the house owner’s property.

They persuaded the resident to give them a low three figure sum of money for their work. It eventually turned out now work had been carried out.

The second incident happened at Craigmount Place in Edinburgh around 10.45am and again involved two men attempting to persuade work was needed on the roof of an elderly resident’s property.

However, they ultimately left empty handed after the resident spoke to his bank who raised concerns this may be fraudulent.

Both incidents are being treated as linked and enquiries are ongoing.

Both men are white. One was in his mid to late 40s, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a red jumper and brown trousers. The second is described as wearing a dark jumper. They were using a white panel van.

Detective Constable Jenna Lawrie of Corstorphine Police Station said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify these men and would urge anyone else who believes they may have seen him to get in touch.

“We would urge everyone to be wary if anyone attending unexpectedly at your property and always to ask for identification.

“False callers are often well practiced and can be very convincing. A genuine caller will expect you to check for identification and will not put you under any pressure if you check.

“Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting incident 1283 of 21 April, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Beware Bogus Workmen

Police are urging the public to be wary as they have received reports of bogus workmen operating in Edinburgh.

Be on guard if someone attends at your door offering assistance with energy supply, offering other goods or services or offering to carry out any building work or home improvements.

Don’t be afraid to say no and don’t be embarrassed as genuine callers expect you to be careful.

If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door and report the incident to police.

If you know someone who may be vulnerable, please make them aware so that together we can #ShutOutScammers

For more information check Police Scotland website – http://ow.ly/VL1u50B2pS2

Appeal following Trinity bogus workmen incident

Police are appealing for witnesses following a bogus workmen incident in Trinity’s Russell Place area.

At around 10.00am on Tuesday (15 October), an 80-year-old man was visited by a man who offered to carry out some garden work. A fee was agreed and paid in cash, even though it appeared that no work had been carried out. Continue reading Appeal following Trinity bogus workmen incident

Bogus builder jailed for three years

An Edinburgh Trading Standards and Police Scotland anti-doorstep crime initiative has resulted in a jail sentence for a bogus workman. Robert Stewart, who defrauded an elderly victim out of almost £150,000, was convicted and jailed for three years at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Last December, Stewart (21) attended at the Preistfield Road home of an 87-year-old man and offered to repair a television antenna. Stewart then advised the homeowner that extensive work was required on the roof, which his company Abbey Building & Roofing could carry out.

The elderly man agreed to the maintenance and between late December 2015 and March 2016 made several online payments to the building company totalling £147, 460.

Staff at the victim’s bank contacted police after becoming suspicious and officers began investigating during which time they arranged for two independent surveys on the Priestfield Road house. It was established that the work carried out was inferior and valued at far less than the fee charged.

Detectives carried out financial inquiries and linked the payments to an account held by Robert Stewart, who was detained and subsequently charged on 14 April this year.

Detective Sergeant Gary Reid said: “Robert Stewart preyed on an elderly man and was able to extort a large sum of money for work that was sub-par and nowhere near the valuation of such repairs.

“After bank staff observed a pattern in the victim’s payments they became suspicious and reported their concerns to police. We then launched a robust investigation alongside the City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards department resulting in Stewart being charged with bogus workmen offences.

“His sentence should send a clear message that we will continue to work closely with our partners to actively pursue those involved in crimes of this nature to bring them to justice.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind our communities never to allow unsolicited work to be carried out on your home or property and to always use individuals or companies you know or trust.

“In addition, family, friends and neighbours of vulnerable people are asked to be vigilant for any suspicious or unusual activity around their homes and report any concerns they have to police.

“We are committed to tackling bogus workmen and rogue trader crimes and whenever these incidents are reported to us we will investigate thoroughly to bring those responsible to justice.”

Community Safety Leader Councillor Cammy Day said: “This court case should send a warning to those who are involved in this type of criminal behaviour. Doorstep Crime remains one of our top priorities and incidents can be devastating for victims, both financially and in terms of having the confidence to live independently.

“We must ensure that everyone has the confidence to come forward – every complaint is taken seriously. Consumers must be able to trust what they are told by tradesmen, and we advise the public to use Edinburgh’s Trusted Trader scheme if they need any work carried out. You can report incidents or ask for advice by calling 0131 529 3030.”

Warning: bogus workmen operating in North Edinburgh

An important message from the Police to all residents in North Edinburgh:

I am looking to try and spread the word regarding bogus workmen who have seemingly arrived in the north of Edinburgh recently. They are often targeted premises where the occupants are elderly and live alone.

This particular “bogus” initiative involves 2 males knocking at the door stating that there is a roof tile missing etc, and this can be fixed for £800.00.

They then suggest they carry out a survey in the attic and one of the males goes up into the attic space and bring down a piece of rotten wood with them claiming that it has come from the roof. They then offer to take a deposit of a few hundred pounds to cover the cost of the materials, and if they don’t have the cash then they request a visa card and that money is withdrawn from an ATM.

Please note that the males do not have any ID and their van is not marked. It is the usual white panel van.

If you could possibly pass this on to your email groups and ask them to
spread the word in a bid to stop these people taking advantage of our
elderly residents that would be much appreciated. I will going to attend
groups in the coming weeks to also pass this message on face to face.

Kindest regards

PC Emily Grimwood – E0479
Inverleith Community Officer

Be on your guard: bogus workmen warning

‘Roofers’ target vulnerable householders

Police in Edinburgh are urging people to be vigilant after elderly residents in the west of the city were targeted by bogus workmen last week.

On Thursday 31 March, two men called at addresses in Silverknowes Avenue, Tylers Acre Gardens and Broomhall Crescent, and at a house in Weavers Knowe Crescent in Currie and claimed that roofing work was required. The men then offered to carry out the work at highly inflated prices. The men were sent away.

On Friday 1 April, men of a similar description visited an address in Strathalmond Road, where they again claimed to the elderly occupier that roofing work was needed. The suspects then accompanied the 82-year-old man to the bank and persuaded him to hand over a four-figure sum for the work they claimed was required. The men then left without carrying out any work.

The first man is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5 foot 6 and 5 foot 8 inches tall, of slim to average build with short dark brown or black hair and was wearing dark clothing.

The second man is described as white, in his 40s, between 5 foot 9 inches and 6 foot tall, of slim build with grey stubble or beard, sandy coloured hair and was of scruffy appearance wearing baggy khaki-type trousers.

Detective Inspector Grant Johnston of Gayfield CID said: “These two men are preying on vulnerable members of our community and together we need to be vigilant and stop them from targeting our friends, family and neighbours. I would appeal to people to please check on older friends and relatives and report any suspicious persons or vehicles. Such bogus workers have no scruples and even took their victim to the bank to withdraw cash which they immediately pocketed.

“Never allow cold callers into your home. If you want to check their credentials, genuine callers will be happy to wait outside a locked door whilst you call a number for their company from the phone book, or ask for them to return when there’s someone else with you. Ultimately you should not feel pressured to speak to them about unwanted services and products and it’s your right send them away. If you have any concerns please call police immediately.

“If you want work doing at your house, take recommendations and use a reputable trader. The City of Edinburgh Council runs a Trusted Trader scheme, more details can be found at www.trustedtrader.scot.”

Anyone with information about the two bogus workmen, or anyone concerned about rogue traders and cold callers should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Continue reading Be on your guard: bogus workmen warning

Doorstep crime initiative: man in Court

One man has appeared in Court and another has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as part of the ongoing Operation Monarda initiative to tackle the scourge of bogus workmen.

A 23 year old man has been arrested, charged and appeared in court for over 40 bogus workmen offences after targeting a number of residents in Edinburgh.

In total, 14 homeowners in the Currie, Balerno and other areas in the west of the Capital were visited and over-charged for substandard work, which was carried out on their properties.

The man was identified as part of Operation Monarda – a new partnership initiative to tackle doorstep crime across Scotland.

After being detained on Tuesday, he appeared at court the following day in connection with 44 crimes and has been remanded in custody.

Police also seized a number of the man’s assets and have applied for a six-figure sum of cash to be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

Another man, aged 47, has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to these offences.

Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partner agencies are assuring the public they are committed to identifying those responsible for doorstep crime and bringing them to justice.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander of Edinburgh City Division said:

“Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware that in particular the over 60’s can be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability.

“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies these criminals create.

“If you are aware of any suspicious activity taking place at the home of a neighbour, friend or family member then please contact police immediately.”

A spokesperson from Trading Standards Scotland said: “Doorstep crime remains the number one priority for Trading Standards services in Scotland and we are committed to working with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime.

“Unfortunately, doorstep crime still remains vastly under reported and we strongly encourage victims, potential victims and their families and friends to report any suspicions they have immediately.”

Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.

Bogus workmen warning, Blackhall

Lothian and Borders Police are urging the public to stay vigilant to bogus callers following another incident in Blackhall.

The men have been targeting an elderly man in March Road over the past few months claiming they would work on his roof but so far, despite handing over thousands of pounds in cash, no work has been carried out on the house.

After providing an initial estimate, the men have gone back to the man demanding more money on the basis that they needed materials, that a VAT bill had to be settled, and finally to request a signature confirming the work had been done.

Door to door inquiries are underway in the area, with officers keen to speak to anyone else who may have been approached by these men. No description of the suspects is available.

A police spokesman said: “We would encourage anyone to fully check the credentials of anyone looking to carry out work or maintenance for you. Any genuine worker would be happy to provide details of their company, and would not have an issue with you calling their bosses and verifying their identity. In addition, we would ask people to stay vigilant, keep an eye on your neighbours and be alert to anyone acting suspiciously in your area. Anyone with any concerns, or seeking home security advice, should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or check our website for more information.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.