Thugs claim to be police in house raid

TWO men claimed to be police officers as they barged into a woman’s house and robbed her of money and jewellery.

William Gardner, 51, and Kenneth Blyth, 32, smashed their way into Lisa Watters’ home armed with knives, shouting: ‘It’s the police.’

Gardner ordered her to empty her pockets and rifled through her belongings, while Blyth pocketed medication and £2,000 worth of other drugs.

They were spotted by police soon after the raid on April 20 and arrested.

Gardner and Blyth, both from Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to breaking into Miss Watters’ home in Dunbar.

They admitted smashing the front door, assaulting her and robbing her of items including Pandora charms and watches.

The High Court in Glasgow heard yesterday that Miss Watters was at home at 4pm earlier this year when she heard a loud bang and glass smashing.

Advocate depute Duncan McPhie said: ‘She heard a male voice shouting “It’s the police”.

‘A neighbour saw the accused enter the house and contacted the police.’

When Miss Watters saw the intruders in the hallway, Gardner told her to empty her pockets and she handed him £200.

Blyth was later seen in the town with a large blue Ikea bag. The pair were arrested and made no reply.

Sentence was deferred until next month at the High Court in Edinburgh.