Cops trail thief who followed 93-year-old

Police hunting for a heartless crook who robbed a woman in her 90s after following her home from a shopping trip earlier this year have made a breakthrough in their investigation.

The woman, who is aged 93, had her handbag and its contents stolen from her home in Causewayhead on the morning of March 8 in what was described by officers as a“despicable crime”.

However, police have confirmed they are now following a positive line of enquiry as they bid to trace the person responsible.

On the day of the theft, the victim had been shopping in the Poundland store in the Thistles when she became suspicious of a female deliberately standing close to her.

After leaving the shop she boarded the bus and, as she took her seat, she noticed the same female step-on board. They both then got off at Easter Cornton Road.

The elderly woman walked home and began placing her recycling bins in the garden when she again saw the female suspect. The suspect engaged the woman in conversation, asking for directions. She was speaking with what was thought to be an Eastern European accent.

After helping with the directions the suspect left along Dunster Road, heading in the direction of the town centre, before being lost from sight.

The victim then returned to her home where she discovered that her handbag and its contents had been stolen.

Police issued an appeal for information at the time but now say they are following a positive line of enquiry.

Anyone with info should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.