BOGUS workmen posed as water board staff to steal money from vulnerable elderly women who live along.

The heartless thieves have targeted several women in Kilmarnock between the afternoon of Sunday, October 6 on James Little Street and Culzean Crescent and the morning of Monday, October 7 on Carmel Avenue. 

Two men posed as members of the water board and claimed they needed entry to three properties of vulnerable, elderly women who live alone.

Police said the victims are in their seventies and nineties, and none of them were hurt during the incidents. The men stole £300 in cash and a necklace from one property, £50 in cash from another and nothing from the last.

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The suspects are white men in their forties who speak with a local Scottish accent.

The first man is described as being of slim build, 5ft 2 inches with greying hair. He was wearing a dark bomber jacket, with a white jumper underneath and dark trousers.

The second man is described as 5ft 6 inches and he was wearing a khaki green parka jacket with fur around the hood and dark jeans.

Detective Constable Robert Graham, from Kilmarnock CID, said: “These were distressing incidents for the people involved and we are carrying out extensive inquiries, including door to door and checking all available CCTV, in order to trace the men responsible for these crimes.

“As always, I’d urge people to be vigilant if an unknown caller attends your property claiming they need access.

“Please ensure you check their identities first and if you have any concerns whatsoever about their intentions, please call a family member, a trusted friend, neighbour or police.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw the men responsible in the area or noticed anyone acting suspiciously or out of place to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information which can help this inquiry is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2683 of 7 October.

Alternatively, if you wish to give information anonymously, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.