Tag: Police Scotland

Warning: bogus workmen operating in North Edinburgh

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

bogus-caller

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to cover the cost of the materials, and if they don’t have the cash then they request a visa card and that money is withdrawn from an ATM.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

bogus-caller

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

Community ‘the key’ to tackling crime

Chief Constable praises local residents who ‘make a difference’

Police at shops Drylaw

Recently-appointed Chief Constable Phil Gormley said community is they key to tackling crime during a visit to Leith with Justice Secretary Michael Mathieson last week. The visit coincided with news that reported crime in the North Edinburgh area has dropped by almost a quarter, with over 1700 fewer crimes reported in the last nine months. Continue reading Community ‘the key’ to tackling crime

Muirhouse meeting discusses community concerns

mmc

Tenants & Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM) has issued the following notes of a community meeting which was held in the Millennium Centre yesterday: Continue reading Muirhouse meeting discusses community concerns

Serious assault in Boswall Loan

Did women ‘set up’ assault victim?

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in the Granton area. The incident happened in Boswall Loan at around 3am in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 30-year-old man began speaking to two women on Great Junction Street and the group walked along Ferry Road together. Once at Boswall Loan, heading towards Granton Crescent, the man was approached and assaulted by two men.

He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious facial injuries.

The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 7-8 inches tall, around 20 years old, with a slim build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark-coloured t-shirt, red shorts and white trainers.

The second suspect is described as white, 5ft 9inches tall, around 20 years old, with a slim build. He had short dark spiky hair and was wearing a dark-coloured top, dark jeans or joggers, and white trainers.

The two female witnesses are described as white, around 5ft 4inches tall, 18-20 years old, with slim builds and local accents.

One had elbow-length straight dark hair, and was wearing a light-coloured jumper, dark leggings or jeans, beige boots and carrying a large beige shoulder bag. She was possibly called “Kat”.

The other had dyed blonde shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a ¾ length grey jacket, black leggings and black boots.

Detective Sergeant Clark Martin of Gayfield CID said: “We’re conducting numerous enquiries in the local area in order to trace the suspects, and would urge any witnesses to get in touch. We believe the two men were known to the two women, and would also ask anyone who recognises their descriptions to come forward.”

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