A 98-year-old woman was one of the victims of a “particularly loathsome” series of thefts in Dundee during the past week.
Three women, aged between 77 and 98, were victims of theft in their own homes in the Lawside area of the city.
Each of the crimes involved a person or couple knocking on the door of a elderly person’s house and talking their way into the home.
They then distracted the pensioners by asking them for a glass of water or to use the bathroom, using the opportunity to steal possessions.
Police say there have been at least three cases in the Lawside area in the last week — one on May 1, one on May 6 and a third on May 7. However, police would not disclose what streets were targeted.
On May 1 a 77-year had a purse stolen by a man and a woman. Then on May 6, a 92-year old had money stolen by a man and a woman, thought to be the same pair.
And on May 7 a 98-year old woman had money stolen by a man claiming to be a gardener. He had also tried to get into other houses in the street but had been refused entry.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “This is a particularly loathsome and disgusting series of crimes, deliberately targeting elderly people. We are following positive lines of enquiry, but would like to remind everyone to be aware of who comes to your door.
“If you live in a building with a security buzzer, do not allow anyone access who you don’t know and do not allow any person to enter your house who you are not expecting or who has no official identification, even if they know your name.
“In particular, please be wary of those with unusual requests such as to use your telephone, bathroom or those who ask for a drink of water. If you believe a crime is ongoing, then please contact Police Scotland immediately by calling 999.”
