The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Hunt for thief who used mask in handbag theft
Police have issued CCTV images after a man donned a protective face mask to rob a “shocked” shop assistant of her handbag.
The man wore the covering to commit the act on July 2, about a week before they became mandatory but at a time when their use was encouraged to help stem the spread of coronavirus.
The employee was working in L&M Stores on Hutcheon Street in Aberdeen at about 3am when a man entered and made off with her handbag.
Detective Sergeant Emma Low said: “This incident was very frightening for the woman, she was extremely shocked but unhurt.”
Police have stepped up their hunt for the culprit and released a series of images captured by CCTV.
As well as a white mask, the man was wearing black gloves and a grey tracksuit top, grey tracksuit trousers with a black stripe down the outside of the thigh, and a black beanie hat with small white logo on the front.
George Street and Harbour councillor Michael Hutchison appealed for the public to help track the man down.
He said: “This is usually a busy shop, regardless of what time of the day or night it is, so hopefully someone will have been in the area and seen something.”
Det Sgt Low added: “Anyone with information that can assist our inquiry should call the police on 101, quoting 387 of July 2.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”