Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 12:19pm

Man appears on bogus workman charge

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A 62-year-old man has appeared before Peebles Sheriff Court charged with a bogus work offence.

John Beattie, of Coatbridge, was arrested after allegedly calling at the home of two women, aged 78 and 54, in Melrose to carry out unnecessary roofing work.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested along with him and police said he would be reported to the Children's Reporter.

Beattie made no plea to a charge of attempted fraud and the case was continued.

He was released on bail by Sheriff Neil McKinnon.

Lothian and Borders Police have had several reports in recent weeks of workmen approaching homeowners in the region and offering to carry out the work.

It is thought thieves are using damage to roofs and guttering caused by the recent cold weather as an excuse to approach homeowners with offers of repair work.