RESIDENTS in the Dumbarton area are being urged to be on their guard after three incidents involving bogus workmen were reported to police on the same day.

The incidents, one of which targeted an 82 year old woman, all took place on Tuesday, February 9 between noon and 3pm.

The first incident occurred shortly after 12.30pm at an address in McPhie Road in the Bellsmyre area. Two men approached a couple at their home and told them they needed some repair work done to their roof. The couple became suspicious and the men left the area on foot.

The second incident occurred minutes later in First Avenue, Silverton where an 82 year old woman was approached in her home by a man asking for money for fixing her chimney.

The woman had not asked the man to carry out any repairs on her chimney and he was sent on his way.

Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses or information on those involved in these incidents and the third incident which took place around two hours later, just after 2.30pm in Argyll Avenue which was again in the Bellsmyre area. On that occasion two men approached a householder and claimed that the roof of his property needed to be repaired.

They tried to persuade the man to pay money for them to fix the roof but he refused and they left.

Constable Colin MacMillan from Dumbarton police office said: “We’ve received several reports of men acting suspiciously in the Dumbarton area and are looking into the possibility that they are bogus workmen.

“These criminals are professional fraudsters and can be very convincing and so I would encourage people to remain vigilant, particularly where elderly neighbours or friends are concerned.

“We would always urge members of the public to be careful about letting people they don’t know into their homes. Ask them for identification and if you are unsure of who they are then don’t open the door. If you have a chain on your door please use it and never leave the door open and unattended.

“Genuine callers will contact you again at a later date after making an appointment so if you are suspicious for any reason turn them away and contact the police.

“Anyone with information about these incidents or anyone acting suspiciously in your area is asked to contact police on 101.”