Residents in Berwickshire are being warned to be on their guard following reports of bogus workmen operating in the area.

Two men arrived at the house of an elderly man in the Greenlaw area on Thursday, 26 October and told the man there was a burst water main under his property.

Despite there being no evidence of water, the suspects presented the householder with a photograph of the alleged burst and told him they could repair it for a substantial sum of money.


However, the customer contacted Scottish Water who clarified what he had been told was incorrect.

Scott Fraser, Scottish Water's corporate affairs regional manager for the area, said: "Scottish Water works in local communities across Scotland every day of the year.  Our own workers are highly visible and unfortunately there are occasionally people who take advantage of the essential work we do by posing as bogus water employees. 

"So we would like to remind all our customers of our essential advice. If we knock on your door, check our photo ID and follow our Three C's rule: Card, Check, Call.

"All our employees, and anyone working on our behalf, carry photo ID which they will happily show on request. So don't let anyone in to your home until you are sure of their identity."

(LM/MH)