Woman’s terror at finding thief in her bedroom
Cops warn public to be vigilant after ‘despicable crime’
Police have warned people at home during the coronavirus lockdown to make sure their doors are always secured after a series of sneak-in thefts.
A 61- year- old woman found a crook rummaging in the bedroom of her Calside Court flat, in the Castlehead area of Paisley, on Monday afternoon.
The yob made off with a small amount of cash from the woman’s purse and she was left badly shaken by the ordeal.
Cops are now investigating the frightening incident and have not ruled out the possibility it might be linked to similar crimes in the area.
A 97- year- old woman was robbed in her sheltered housing flat in Spiersfield Garden on March 27.
The same suspect is believed to have returned to the same complex on April 2 but was this time spooked and made off.
Police investigating the incidents say it is possible they were carried out by the same suspect but are keeping an open mind.
They have urged residents across the region to make sure they always lock up, even when they are home, to prevent further thefts.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, of Paisley’s community policing team, said: “Targeting elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes is an absolutely despicable crime which will simply not be tolerated.
“In recent weeks we have seen a number of thefts which have involved a suspect sneaking into a person’s house when they are home.
“This can be an incredibly distressing thing for any person, but for older or vulnerable people it can be particularly troubling.”
She added: “I want to urge people at home during the coronavirus lockdown to please ensure that their doors and windows are locked and secured at all times.
“I’d also ask people to report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately. If you see something that doesn’t look right, let us know.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Targeting elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes is an absolutely despicable crime