A vulnerable pensioner has been swindled out of a five-figure sum of money by callous conmen.
The frail 85-year-old from Kinross has been left distraught by Wednesday’s theft.
In a separate incident, an 87-year-old had a three-figure sum taken from her Perth home.
The shocking incidents have led Tayside Police to warn the public to be on their guard against cold callers and rogue traders operating in the area.
The call for caution comes less than a fortnight after a similar plea following thefts from houses in Perth and Crieff.
A spokesman said: ”Tayside Police would ask all residents to be suspicious of anyone arriving unannounced at their door. Householders should ensure that doors are secure, even when at home, and use a door chain.
”They should not let anyone in until they are certain of who they are, or who they claim to represent.”
Officers in Kinross said the theft of at least £10,000 from a house in Churchill Road, happened at about 2.15pm yesterday.
They said two men called at their victim’s home inquiring about the water. The woman allowed them to enter her house and didn’t notice until they left that her bags had been searched.
They got away with what police described as a ”five-figure sum” and brief descriptions of the men were issued shortly afterwards.
One man is described as between 20 and 30, with black hair and wearing a brown, hooded top. The other man was also described as 20 to 30 years old.
In a similar theft in Perth, also at around 2pm, an 87-year-old Cromlix Road resident was targeted.
Again, a pair of men with identification badges around their necks called at her door and sought entry to the house.
The police were alerted after it was discovered a three-figure sum of money and blue cash box had gone.
One of the men is described as being 40 to 50, with short dark hair, wearing a white pinstripe shirt and dress trousers.
The other is described as 40 to 50 and had an English accent. One of the men was wearing gloves.
Both victims were described as ”extremely upset” and unwilling to speak publicly about their losses.
The police spokesman said: ”With regard to anyone claiming to represent a business, authority or agency, householders should demand to see their identification.
”Bona fide tradespeople or company representatives will not be offended and will be happy to provide genuine identification.
”Even then, if suspicions remain, residents should close the door and check with the company the caller claims to represent.
”Don’t take the number from the person on the doorstep, but instead check the phone directory or Yellow Pages.
”Beyond that, if a householder remains suspicious they should not let the person in and should contact the police.
”Tayside Police would also ask neighbours to look out for one another particularly if they have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and report any suspicious activity to the police.
”Anyone with information that could assist police enquiries should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.”
Earlier this month police warned pensioners in the Perth area to remain vigilant after men posing as plumbers conned their way into another house in Cromlix Road on August 21.
On that occasion, the conmen managed to get away with a three-figure sum of cash from a 67-year-old.
A similar scam was used ten days later to take money from a 78-year-old. And in Crieff, a man posing as a council worker used a fake ID badge to con his way into a house to take photographs.
Police are still investigating these incidents.