Cardboard laptop conmen sought by police in Edinburgh Published duration 3 February 2012

Two conmen who have made £2,500 by selling off cardboard boxes with water bottles inside as "laptops" in Edinburgh are being sought by police.

Twelve people have been targeted across the city since October last year.

The men approached their victims claiming they needed to offload electrical items quickly to pay bills.

After being taken to a nearby vehicle and agreeing a fee, the men would hand the buyer a bag, which they believed had their new goods inside.

However, when the bags were opened, only cardboard and bottles of water were inside.

'Left devastated'

Det Sgt John Graham, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: "These men appear very convincing and desperate for money to pay essential bills.

"The victims are shown fake documentation relating to the goods and leave confident that they have made a bargain purchase.

"They are then left devastated when they discover that they have been scammed and have parted with their money for nothing."

He added: "Anyone who is approached in this manner should not attempt to buy any of the items offered and report the matter to police immediately.

"We would also ask anyone who can assist officers with their inquiries to trace these men to come forward."