Police warning over charity scam

Police said several elderly people had been robbed at home

A group of conmen claiming to represent a charity has stolen thousands of pounds from pensioners in Edinburgh.

Lothian and Borders Police said the men were going from door-to-door and telling people they had won £20 in a raffle.

The conmen have stolen money after being allowed into people's homes.

Police said six incidents in the past week had involved the same trick and officers are urging pensioners to remain vigilant.

All the victims are elderly and have been left extremely shocked by the thefts Police spokesman

Several elderly people have been robbed after conmen struck in Edinburgh, Midlothian, and East and West Lothian.

In one incident a man with an Irish accent called at an 81-year-old woman's home in Dalkeith and said she had won money in a raffle.

He was allowed into the house and when he left the owner realised he had stolen £200.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, with short gingery hair and clean shaven.

In another incident three men called at an 88-year-old man's home in Boghall, near Bathgate.

'Same trick'

They were disturbed by the arrival of a salesman and left.

But two hours later they returned and stole several hundred pounds.

They were then seen getting into a light coloured car, believed to be a Peugeot 406.

A police spokesman said: "Even though these incidents are many miles apart it is likely they are linked as the same trick was used to gain access into the homes and a blue metallic type Peugeot 406 has been seen at three of the incidents.

"All the victims are elderly and have been left extremely shocked by the thefts.

"One woman has lost her Christmas money and another has lost several thousand pounds.

"We would urge people to be alert if anyone comes to their door claiming they have won a cash prize."

Anyone with information is advised to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.