Cruel bogus callers tricked an elderly woman into letting them into her home where they then stole hundreds of pounds of valuables.
The 74-year-old has been left severely distressed by the sick scam, which saw the thieves make off with a three-figure sum of items from her home in Renfrew.
The woman was duped by one of the men who knocked on her door yesterday afternoon, telling her that there was an issue with pipes in the area and they had to ensure there were no leaks in her home.
She allowed the con man in to check the plumbing in her home in Paisley Road, allowing the second crook to sneak in and rifle through her belongings.
It was not until they had both left that she realised she had been a victim of bogus callers.
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The woman told police she had seen the men - who are described as both wearing all black - passing by her window on " a few occasions" earlier that day and had not thought they were suspicious.
Officers in Renfrew have now launched a manhunt to try and trace the two men who preyed upon the elderly woman.
They are carrying out extensive enquiries, including checking CCTV in the surrounding area, speaking with residents in the street and appealing to the public for information.
Inspector Damian Kane, of Renfrew's community policing team, said: "This was an incident which was highly distressing for the elderly woman involved who was convinced to allow this person access into her home.
"Officers in Renfrewshire are dedicated to targeting bogus callers who take advantage of vulnerable people in the community.
"We would urge anyone who may be able to assist us with our enquiries into this matter to please get in touch with us."
Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote incident number KB00270322.
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