| On both occasions the culprits, pretending to be plumbers, offered a high denomination note to the householder and asked for change.
The 96-year-old, who lives in Dunholm Place, lost a three-figure sum yesterday when the criminals got their hands on his money and ran.
The second incident happened minutes later, and while there are discrepancies in the descriptions, police believe there is a “strong possibility” the two are linked. Detective Inspector Jim Graham said today, “These were particularly cowardly offences where those responsible have sought to profit from another person’s trust.
“While there is no suggestion of any obvious intimidation or violence in these crimes, they are, nonetheless, distressing for those involved.
“I would ask anyone who saw two males, similar to those described, in the Charleston/Lochee area to contact us as they may have information useful to our inquiries.”
The first incident, in Dunholm Place, occurred at about 3 pm, when two men knocked at the resident’s front door before entering.
They immediately offered him money for the use of his water and requested change. The householder went to get his money followed by one of the men who, on seeing the cash, took it and ran off with his assailant.
The first man is thought to be aged 19 to 20 years old, around 5 ft 4 in tall, with short dark hair and a Dundee accent.
The second man is aged about 30-years-old, with short dark hair and a local accent. Both wore dark fleeces or jumpers and “heavy duty” trousers.
The second incident took place at 3.15 pm when an 86-year-old woman at sheltered housing in Brougham Gardens answered her door to two males. Both had Irish accents and wore dark clothing.
The first is described as aged about 14 and wearing a set of keys attached to a chain, while the other is described as about 25 years old.
A short time before, someone matching the description of the 25-year-old had called at a neighbour’s flat saying he was selling fruit and vegetables. He asked if the next door neighbour was at home.
They then called at the second address stating they were plumbers who were working for her neighbour and needed to check her water supply.
They offered the woman cash for her trouble and asked for change. When she said she didn’t have any change, they left, promising to return.
She didn’t see them again and later established with her neighbour their story was false.
As well as appealing for information, police are calling on householders to ensure their doors are secured to prevent people simply walking into their homes.
Residents are also being advised to be vigilant and report anyone acting suspiciously in their area to the police.
DI Graham said, “I would urge residents to be suspicious of anyone arriving unannounced at their door. Ensure your door is secure, even when you are at home and if you have a door chain, use it.
“Always demand to see identification from callers to your home. A bona fide tradesperson or company representative will not be offended by your suspicions and will be happy to provide genuine identification.
“If your suspicions are not satisfied, close the door and check with the company they claim to represent. Even then, if you are not entirely happy, do not let them in and contact the police.
It is understood officers investigating the Dundee crimes are investigating whether the culprits may have struck in other force areas.
Anyone who can assist with inquiries is asked to call Tayside Police on Dundee 223200 or speak to any officer. |
