Perth Man Charged For Stealing Thousands of Pounds From Pensioners

A 43-year-old Tayside man has been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of pounds from two pensioners.

Edward Newlands, from Perth, was arrested last week as part of Operation Aristotle Police Scotland have confirmed. It is alleged he stole thousands of pounds from two pensioners 91-year-old in Edinburgh on August 19 and from an 81-year-old woman in South Queensferry.

The Perth man has been charged with attempted fraud and theft.

Detective Sergeant Ben Leathes said: “We would urge anyone who receives an unsolicited call at their property by any individual claiming to be employed by a company or organisation to ask for identification.

“If they are still not satisfied, then they should deny them access and contact the organisation they claim to represent to verify their identity.

“Similarly, if anyone has any suspicions over the intentions of any cold-caller, then they should contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information on bogus workmen is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.