Police are appealing for information to help them track down a team of con men who have swindled a number of elderly people after gaining entry to their homes.

The con men, who are of Asian appearance, have struck at homes in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian on five occasions since June.

Their victims include a wheelchair-bound double amputee and his wife, who had cash and their pension allowance stolen after the men gained entry to their home in Edinburgh.

On another occasion the men gained entry to a pensioner's home in Bonnyrigg and stole a purse.

The men have used a variety of excuses to gain entry to people's homes, including:–

• Their car has overheated and they need to borrow some water.
• The householder has won a hamper from the local newsagent.
• Selling clothing.
• Requesting change of a £20 note.

The con men operate in a team of two, with either one or both calling at the door.

Once inside one of them will cause a distraction while the other takes the opportunity to steal purses and money.

The men are described as between 30-40 years old, 5ft 4ins – 5ft 8ins tall, with dark hair and smartly dressed.

They may also be using a silver or white jeep-style vehicle or a dark coloured estate/hatchback type car.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind homeowners to verify the identity of callers that come to their door, and if in doubt, refuse them entry and contact the police immediately.

"These men are deliberately preying on vulnerable pensioners and using devious mean to gain entry to their homes.

"The fact that one of their victims is a double amputee in a wheelchair shows just how low they will sink.

"We would urge anyone who has any information which can help us track down these men to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111."