LAYING Thief was caught red-handed
WITH DIVISIONAL COMMANDER CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ALAN MURRAY
It’s been a busy week for officers in the division.
A callous suspect entered sheltered accommodation at Spiersfield Gardens, Paisley, and stole a three-figure sum of money from a vulnerable 97-year-old woman.
The suspect entered the flat and took money from the victim’s purse before making off with the cash.
On Thursday, April 2, a vigilant resident at the same sheltered accommodation challenged a man who had entered one of the homes within the complex.
Fortunately, on this occasion, he was disturbed before he could steal anything.
A number of similar crimes have occurred in recent days across Renfrewshire where a man deliberately targeted elderly residents.
I am delighted to say that on Thursday, after a large-scale investigation, the suspect – a 38-yearold man – was caught red-handed following the alleged theft of money and jewellery from the home of a 78-year-old Kilmacolm resident.
The man has been charged for numerous crimes across Paisley, Elderslie and Greenock and has been held in custody, pending a court appearance.
Elsewhere in the division, a particularly nasty crime was carried out around noon on Tuesday, March 31 in Fulbar Street, Renfrew.
A 77-year-old woman was walking on the footpath while carrying her purse.
A man approached and, without saying a word, snatched the lady’s purse from her hand and made off.
Fortunately, officers quickly located the discarded purse, which contained the victim’s bank cards and personal items, but, sadly, the money was missing.
We are carrying out enquires into this incident and I am hopeful of finding the thief.
I would like to ask residents to be particularly vigilant in light of the current situation and to keep an eye out for their elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
Unfortunately, at times like this, there is always someone ready to take advantage of those in need.
Anyone who may have witnessed such incidents can call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111, where they can remain anonymous .
Despite the current pandemic, it seems organised criminals are attempting to continue with business as usual.
On Monday, March 30 officers discovered a large-scale cannabis cultivation inside an industrial unit in Scott Road, Paisley.
More than 800 plants, in varying stages of growth, were discovered.
The estimated street value is thought to be around £200,000.
The following day, officers executed a search warrant in the Gallowhill area of Paisley, where they discovered a quantity of tablets, suspected to be controlled drugs. Cannabis resin was also found within the property.
Two 21-year-old men were arrested in connection with the find.
Fortunately, for officers here in K division, it is also business as usual.
Finally, I would like to remind residents of the need for social isolation over the Easter weekend.
The vast majority of people are now abiding by the government guidelines and staying at home.
Easter is generally a time that family and friends get together, which will make social isolation increasingly difficult.
However, if we all work together and continue in our efforts for a little longer, we may be able to reduce the number of Covid-19 victims and ensure the safety of residents throughout Renfrewshire.