The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
CCTV released as police hunt for housebreakers
CRIME: Footage shows pair rushing into pensioners’ home where they subjected the couple to vile knifepoint robbery
Masked thieves involved in a terrifying robbery at an elderly couple’s home remain at large after their getaway car was traced by police.
Officers confirmed that the black Vauxhall Corsa, stolen from the driveway of the house on Strathyre Avenue, was recovered – however, the manhunt for the robbers continues.
The Burberry-clad robbers terrorised pensioners Frances and Phillip Youngs, both in their 70s, in their house at about 7.20pm on Wednesday.
They threatened the couple with a weapon, believed to be a knife, before stealing cash and jewellery and making their escape in the Corsa, which was parked in the driveway.
Speaking yesterday, Detective Inspector Gavin McKinlay said: “The vehicle was traced this afternoon in Dundee and I would like to thank the public for their assistance in the matter.
“We are continuing with our investigation and are still looking to trace two men in connection with the robbery.
“If anyone has any information I would urge them to get in touch with us on 101, quoting reference CR/27950/18.”
Ian Youngs, the elderly couple’s son, said he believes his parents’ home was specifically targeted after seeing CCTV footage showing two men approaching the house in Clearwater Park.
He said he was offering a reward for any information that led to the men’s convictions.
Ian, from Monifieth, said: “I think my parents’ house was targeted.
“Why else would they walk so far down the street, passing other houses, then cross the road?
“Someone must know who these people are. This was a disgusting, despicable thing to do.
“I want whoever did it caught and punished.”
Frances and Phillip were at home when two men, whose faces were hidden by Burberry scarves, appeared and threatened the couple with a weapon before locking them in a bathroom as they ransacked the property.
The robbers took more than £650 in cash, as well as jewellery worth thousands of pounds – including two Rolex watches – before stealing a car belonging to the carer of their disabled daughter.
The Corsa was seen at the roundabout at the junction of the A92 and Balgillo Road East shortly after the incident.
DI McKinlay also reminded the public not to speculate on the identities of the culprits on social media, as it could hinder any investigation.
This was a disgusting, despicable thing to do – I want whoever did it caught and punished. IAN YOUNGS