Cops appeal for info after OAPs duped on doorstep

Police were this week trying to trace thieves responsible for robbing elderly Denny residents in two incidents of doorstep crime there.

Between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday, September 12, two males aged between 16 and 20 went to the home address of an elderly resident in Kirkhall Place.

While they were in the property, the occupant was distracted and property was stolen before the two males made their exit.

Two days later, between 3pm and 4pm, one male, aged around 16, went to a home in Broad Street. Again the elderly occupant was distracted and property was stolen from him.

The phrase‘doorstep crime’includes distraction theft , bogus callers and rogue traders.

Police say the risk of distraction theft increases if the victim has problems with activities of daily living or mobility and that many older people become increasingly isolated following the bereavement of a partner or close friend.

Community Sergeant Blair Rennie said:“These are despicable crimes and I would ask that friends, family and neighbours of elderly residents remain extra vigilant.

“The reality is that if a sufficiently devious person is determined to prey on elderly people and commit crime against them, no one can guarantee that they will be stopped.

“My team will do everything that we can to make it as difficult as possible for these devious criminals to succeed.”

Police are now urging anyone who falls victim to similar incidents to contact them. Information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.