Bogus caller incident - Berl Avenue, Houston, Renfrewshire
Officers are continuing their enquiries and appealing for any information after a bogus caller incident in Houston on Thursday, 20 May.
Between 7.30pm and 8pm on Thursday evening, two men attended at a house in Berl Avenue, Houston and told the 76 year-old householder that they were carrying out work on the local water supply. Both suspects entered the man’s house without permission. They left the property quickly when family members arrived at the address.
The first suspect is described as white, aged in his 50s, around 5ft 7” in height and of medium build with short, dark-coloured hair. He wore a black facemask.
The second suspect is described as white, around 30 years of age and of thin build with a very gaunt face and prominent eyes. He was wearing a black snood and a black beanie hat.
Both suspects spoke with a London accent, however it is not known if their accents were genuine.
Inspector Damian Kane of Renfrewshire Community Police said: “People who target elderly members of the community in their own homes are despicable. It is totally unacceptable to leave people feeling vulnerable in their own home. These two men must be caught.
“It may be that there are other people in the local area who have been approached by these men, who haven’t yet come forward to police. If you have had someone at your door recently that you are unsure of, or if an relative or friend has informed you of an incident, I would like to hear from you.
“These men may not be local to the area, and we are carrying out enquiries to establish more information on them. I would ask people to be vigilant and if they see anyone acting suspiciously, then contact police.
“Anyone with dash-cam footage or private footage in the area of Berl Avenue from Thursday evening is urged to contact us as it may hold information that will help our investigation.
Any details can be passed to officers through 101 quoting reference 3402 of 20 May. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
For further crime prevention advice, please visit our website on: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers/
