OAPs assaulted in their homes

MSP hits out at ‘cruel’ act of targeting pensioners

Two Fife communities are in shock after elderly residents were targeted by thugs.

The pensioners, who are both in their 70s, suffered terrifying ordeals within hours of one another.

In the first incident, a man was assaulted and robbed in his own home on Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy.

In the second a woman was approached by a man wielding a knife who forced her back into her home in the west Fife village of Crossford, before robbing her.

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker said: “I am shocked by these terrible crimes committed against two elderly and vulnerable members of our community.

“To target elderly people and threaten them in their own homes is a cruel act.”

Police are stepping up patrols after two elderly Fifers were robbed in their own homes within hours of one another.

A vulnerable man, who may earlier have been helped by the suspect when he tripped in the street, was assaulted and robbed in his Kirkcaldy town centre home.

Soon after, a woman was confronted by a knife-wielding thug who forced her back into her rural Crossford home before stealing several items.

Police said they were “keeping an open mind” and were not connecting the two crimes at this stage.

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker expressed her disgust at the “terrible crimes committed against two elderly and vulnerable members of our community”.

She said: “To target elderly people and threaten them in their own homes is a cruel act and I hope those responsible are apprehended as soon as possible.”

The first incident happened at 5.40pm on Friday when a 74-year-old man was approached outside his home, part of a sheltered housing complex, on Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy.

Once inside the victim was assaulted and items were stolen.

The suspect is between 30 and 40, around 5ft 8in, and was wearing light clothing.

He may have a Mediterranean appearance but spoke with a local accent.

Police said the victim had fallen on Kirkcaldy High Street, near the junction with Nicol Street, shortly before he was robbed.

Several people were seen helping him to his feet, including someone matching the suspect’s description.

In the second incident, a 76-year-old woman was approached by a man with a knife outside her home on Lundin Road, Crossford, around 11pm.

He forced her back inside and then stole a number of personal items.

The suspect was around 5ft 8in, medium build and spoke with a strong foreign accent.

DCI John Anderson said: Whilst both these crimes were committed on the same day, we are not connecting these incidents at this time but are keeping an open mind.”

To target elderly people and threaten them in their own homes is a cruel act. CLAIRE BAKER MSP