THIEVES WHO stole more than £10,000 from a 95-year-old Dundee pensioner were branded the “dregs of society” last night.
The theft of the woman’s life savings took place at her house in Dickson Avenue at around 3pm on Thursday.
A Tayside Police spokeswoman said, “To think that someone would stoop so low as to con their way into the home of a 95-year-old lady and steal her savings is nothing short of sickening.
“If anyone has any suspicions about who might be responsible I would urge them to get in touch with us before someone else is conned.”
A man approached the victim’s house and, when she answered the door, he told her she had won a dress jacket in a competition.
Despite not having taken part in any competition, the trusting pensioner invited the man into her house and it is thought a second person sneaked in while she was distracted and carried out the theft.
A total of £10,000 in cash—in notes of mixed denomination— and paperwork including the woman’s birth and marriage certificates were taken.
The theft was the second such incident in the west of the city in a matter of days. Three smartly-dressed men conned their way into a pensioner’s home in Gourdie Terrace on Tuesday and stole a three-figure sum.
Councillor and campaigner for the elderly Ian Borthwick was disgusted by the latest incident and said he hopes the thieves are subjected to the full weight of the law.
He said, “These type of thefts happen with lamentable regularity and it makes you wonder whether we are making progress in society.
“I get upset about these things as I have seen the damage it does. Quite often people in these situations lose their confidence and a year or two later they have to go into care.
“Individuals who prey on vulnerable old people can only be described as the dregs of society.
“It is vital that neighbours, friends and family exercise a caring oversight in respect of older people.”
Mr Borthwick added, “If they see anything in any way suspicious then they should report it immediately to the police and make inquiries to ensure everything is in order.”
Tayside Police last night appealed for help in capturing the culprits.
Detectives have issued a description of one of the men they are seeking in connection with the incident.
He is described as being around 5ft 10in and was wearing light brown trousers and a brown woollen jumper. He spoke with a local accent.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact the police on 01382 223200 or speak to any officer.
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2007/09/01/newsstory10217273t0.asp
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