Urgent bogus call alert in Kilsyth and Cumbernauld

Officers are alerting our readers to be on the lookout for two males who are trying their luck on local doorsteps by
offering to fix loose slates.

Naturally the duo make a further claim that the roof needs more extensive work but that they will be willing to undertake the job at a reduced cost.

That is of course their route to defrauding unsuspecting householders of serious amounts of cash.

The incident in question took place in Kilsyth’s Castlehill View on Monday, November 10.

The conmen arrived at the house around 12.45 and stayed there until 3pm until the deed was done.

Their initial approach involved a £10 fee but the sum dramatically increased.

This occurred when one of the men climbed on top of the roof, only to return with a piece of rotten wood.

His next move was to tell the householder that her roof would cost £1650 to fix but that he would accept £1500.

The victim then handed over the cash but that was not enough for the pair who did no work on the roof at all.

They told her that that further work would be required and they would return for more money.

The men then left and have not been seen since. Police were then called.

A description of the doorstep rats has now been issued. One was six foot tall, of medium build and fair haired. He was noticeably well-spoken. His accomplice was between 20 and 20, around five foot eight in height and with brown hair.

Constable Davy Cumming who is on an ongoing drive to stamp out bogus callers locally believes that the criminals could easily strike again elsewhere.

And he had these guidelines for locals who fear being targeted.

He said: “Any trader that puts you under pressure by falsely implying that you have to make a decision there and then, or that the “special price” is only available for a limited period in order to make you sign up, may be committing a criminal offence.

“Doorstep traders can be very persuasive. But our advice is to always say “No thank you - please leave” and then immediately close the door.’’

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101.