A 91-YEAR-OLD man lost cash to bogus builders who pretended to carry out work at his house.

Two men appeared at the victim's home in Lanark Road, Carluke, at 12.30pm on Wednesday offering to carry out repair work.

After agreeing to the work, the man paid a four-figure sum of money to the men, who later made off, without carrying out any of the repairs.

The first man is described as white, aged between 50 and 59 years, around 6ft tall with a heavy build. He spoke with a Scottish accent. The second male is described as white, around 5 ft 8" and with a slim build.

It is believed that they may have used a small white van.

Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson from Airdrie Police Office said, "These people are the scourge of society who prey on the elderly or vulnerable for their own gains. My officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door to door enquiries to glean any information about these two men who are responsible for this despicable crime.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have seen two men matching these descriptions, the white minivan or who perhaps experienced the men knocking on their own doors, to come forward with any information. I understand that victims find it difficult to come forward but these people are very expert 'conmen' who can appear to be genuine tradespeople as they can talk in detail about repairs required to properties."