Appeal after money stolen in Ayr by bogus workman

Police in South Ayrshire are appealing for information after a bogus workman stole money from a home in Ayr.

The incident happened at a property on Newton Park Court in the town during the afternoon of Monday, 29 March.

A man attended at the home of an elderly woman claiming to be there to check her water pressure.

He created a situation where he was left unattended in the property and stole a high three figure sum of money from a handbag before leaving the property.

The man is described as being white, 5ft 5in to 5ft 10in tall and of slim build. He was aged 20-30-years-old and spoke with an English accent.

He was wearing dark blue jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt worn under a black jacket, a black facemask and grey latex gloves.

Officers were also made aware of another incident where the same man attended a neighbouring address at Newton Park Court, where he also gained entry but left after the occupant refused to leave him on his own in the house.

Inspector Frank Braddick of Ayr Police Station said: "We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify this man and would urge anyone else who believes they may have seen him to get in touch.

"We would urge everyone to be wary of 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.

"We will be carrying out additional patrols in the area while our enquiries continue.

"Anyone who has information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting incident 1859 of 29 March, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."