Shock at masked knife raid in home

Thugs burst into house to threaten and rob couple

Neighbours in a plush Lindsayfield street have spoken of their shock after a couple were threatened and robbed in their home by two armed men.

The man and woman, both aged 39, were at home in Applegate Drive around 10.05pm last Thursday when two masked men stormed through their front door.

The stunned couple were threatened with a knife before the suspects made off with a mobile phone.

They were last seen driving off in a small black van.

The couple were not injured but were left extremely shaken by the robbery.

A woman who lives nearby told the News how she heard cries for help coming from the house.

She said: “I heard someone shouting ‘help!’ then I saw my neighbour driving down the street in his car.

“I didn’t know what had happened so when I heard I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s really scary for something like this to happen so close to home.

“I heard they tried to jimmy the lock not realising the door was unlocked before they got in and my neighbour chased them in his car.

“I think it was just people desperate for money. It’s really frightening.”

Another Applegate Drive resident said: “This is absolutely terrifying, especially when there are so many young families living here.”

The young mum added: “This is a nice, quiet estate so you wouldn’t expect anything like this to happen here.”

Police said enquiries are ongoing and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The first suspect is described as 5ft 2in to 5ft 4in tall, aged between 25 and 35 and of slim build with fair hair. He was wearing black tracksuit trousers, a dark-coloured hooded top and dark-coloured training shoes.

The second suspect is described as 5ft 10in to 5ft 11in tall and wearing black tracksuit trousers, a dark-coloured tracksuit top and dark-coloured trainers.

Both men had dark-coloured scarves over their faces during the robbery.

Detective Constable Ross Philip of Cambuslang Police Office said: “At this time, enquiries are ongoing to trace the two men responsible for this robbery and establish a motive for this incident.

“I would urge anyone who saw these two men acting suspiciously in the local area around the time of the robbery, or may have information on the small black van they used to contact us.

“Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem should contact detectives at Cambuslang Police Office through 101.”

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, witnesses are being sought after a pensioner was robbed in her home in Buchan Green on Saturday morning.

At around 2am, a man gained entry to the Calderwood property before being disturbed by the 86year old householder.

He made off with a haul of alcohol. Police said the elderly woman was left extremely shaken as a result of the incident.

After a spate of break-ins and robberies across the town in recent weeks, East Kilbride Chief Inspector Geraldine McSherry is urging people to be aware following the incident.

She said: “I would like to remind people to remain vigilant about home security and to make contact with their new local problem solving teams regarding any ongoing or community issues.”