A safe containing jewellery has been stolen from an elderly man's home in West Lothian following a visit by a bogus Scottish Water worker.
The theft took place on Monday, June 10 in Glencoe, Whitburn.
A man claiming to be from the water company called at the house of a man in his 70s, saying he was there to check the water.
As he pretended to carry out checks, another person is thought to have entered the house and stolen a safe from upstairs.
The safe contained documents and jewellery worth at least £7,000 including a silver diamond ring, a gold bangle with diamonds and a watch.
Detective constable Marc Lunn of Livingston CID said: "Our enquiries have established that Scottish Water were not conducting tests in the area that day and we believe that the missing safe is linked to this incident.
"Anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area on the afternoon of 10th June, those who may recognise the man's description or who know the whereabouts of the jewellery are urged to contact us."
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: "We’re committed to helping reduce doorstep crime carried out by bogus callers. We’re doing all we can to minimise the risk of anyone impersonating a Scottish Water employee or someone carrying out work on our behalf.
"Anyone working for Scottish Water, or on our behalf, will always have a photo ID card. If we knock on your door, check the photo ID and follow our 3 Cs rule: Card, Check, Call.
"Ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through your letterbox so you can check their identity. Check the ID and see if it matches the person and that the card looks genuine and has not been tampered with.
"If you have any doubts call our customer helpline on 0800 0778778 before you open the door. We can confirm if the caller is genuine. Our staff will always be happy to wait while you confirm their identity."
The man who attended the address is described as being 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build with a gaunt appearance. He is in his late twenties to early thirties with short dark hair, facial hair and a Scottish accent.
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