Police are hunting for a fake workman who stole a high three-figure sum of cash from a vulnerable pensioner in Ayr.
The bogus caller arrived at the woman’s home in Newton Park Court on Monday afternoon and claimed he was there to check her water pressure.
The thief created a situation where he persuaded the woman to leave him alone inside the property before pinching the cash from her handbag.
Officers believe the same man then showed up at a neighbour’s house where he tried the same ruse but left empty-handed after the homeowner refused to leave.
Detectives say the man is described as white, aged around 20 to 30-years-old, between 5ft 5in and 5ft 10in tall and with a slim build.
He spoke with an English accent and was wearing dark blue jeans, a white long-sleeved short underneath a black jacket.
The crook was also wearing a black face mask and grey latex gloves.
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 if anyone is 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."
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