A “disgusting” crook stole a purse from a vulnerable woman after forcing his way into her home on the city’s Happyhillock road.
An 87-year-old answered a knock on her door just after lunchtime on Monday, from a man apparently offering to move some wood from the front of her accessible accommodation.
The man then asked the pensioner, who has not been named but is understood to be quite physically frail, if he could borrow a pen, before forcing his way into her house uninvited.
When the man left, the lady noticed her wallet had been taken and she promptly contacted the police.
A concerned neighbour, who did not want to be named, said it was terrible someone so vulnerable had been targeted.
“I have known the woman for a while now, and it is just horrible to think something like this could happen to her,” she said.
“Despite her age, she is a sharp woman, but she is quite frail and unsteady on her feet and I think the person who stole her purse might have targeted her deliberately. They didn’t chap my door, and I was in at the time.
“Hopefully someone will remember seeing a man with orange trainers and will be able to talk to police, they are quite memorable.”
Police are looking to speak to a man described as being in his late 20, of medium build and with dark hair.
He was wearing two jackets – one of which was black and the other burgundy – dark jeans and orange trainers.
Keith Robson, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “These horrible crimes are a disgusting act to take advantage of the good nature of people.
“We would hope that local residents are working with Police Scotland to track down the perpetrators to bring this string of incidences to a swift end.”
Veteran Dundee councillor Ian Borthwick has previously branded thieves who take advantage of the elderly as “lower than vermin”.
The former Age Concern advocacy officer said: “Anybody who would prey on older vulnerable people is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful.
“What often happens is that an older person loses confidence in themselves and quite often they go into care.
“What is vitally important is that neighbours, relatives and friends keep a watch because experiencing this often has quite a devastating effect.”
Anyone with information that could assist police should contact Tayside Division on 101, quoting CR/10231/17 or speak to any officer.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
