POLICE Scotland are appealing for witnesses after a 70-year-old man was the victim of a bogus caller in Ardrossan.

Around 6.30pm on Saturday evening, the man answered a knock on his door at Barrie Terrace, Ardrossan.

He allowed entry to a woman, pretending to be a volunteer from the Social Work Department.

She managed to distract him during conversation and when she left, he discovered a two figure sum of money missing.

The suspect is described as a white female, aged approx 35, five feet nine inches in height with brown shoulder length hair.

She had a piercing through the left side of her nose and had bad teeth.

She was wearing a grey waterproof jacket and dark trousers.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Brian Shaw said: “Sadly this type of crime is carried out by cowardly individuals who have absolutely no respect for others.

“It is totally unacceptable to have elderly people feeling vulnerable within their own homes.

“I would urge anyone who saw this woman or recognises her description to contact police.

“There may be other people in the Ardrossan area who have been approached by this woman and haven’t yet come forward.

"If you have had someone at your door recently that you were unsure of, or if an elderly relative has informed you of an incident, I would like to hear from you.

“Extra officers will be in the area to provide further assistance to the enquiry and offer public reassurance.

"In addition, door to door enquiries will continue.” Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland at Saltcoats on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Police Scotland would remind anyone – and particularly elderly members of the community – that if anyone comes to your door, you should always ask for identification.

Always close and lock your door while you contact the company or the police in order to check they are genuine before allowing anyone access to your home.

Use you door chain to ensure they cannot gain entry until you are satisfied with their identity.