A robber confronted a five-year-old boy and his mother in a frightening attack in a Dundee multi-storey block, police have revealed.
The man, who is thought to be in his late 30s, threatened the child before snatching his 26-year-old mother’s handbag and running off. The theft happened in the foyer of Burnside Court at around 4.15pm on Sunday.
The incident has been branded “absolutely disgusting” by Lochee councillor Tom Ferguson, who said it was yet more evidence of the urgent need for an overhaul of security at the multis in the ward.
Mr Ferguson said he has repeatedly pressed council officers on the need to improve safety in the area and has become increasingly exasperated at the lack of progress.
It is essential immediate action is taken, he said.
“That would include the use of cameras and possibly the rejigging of security or caretaking staff to provide almost complete cover,” he said. “My aim has always been to get the job done and to get these security aspects dealt with.”
Mr Ferguson went on, “Once again I am absolutely disgusted at these actions which threaten our community. People have been going around saying that the fear of crime is what bothers people and incidents like this can only add to that fear.
“In the multis there are a lot of good tenants and good citizens and all they want is to be left alone to carry on and bring up their families in a normal fashion.”
The man police are looking for in connection with the robbery is described as 5ft 8in, with short dark brown hair and a goatee. At the time he was wearing a black hooded top and denim jeans.
Anyone who saw him in the area around the time of the crime or who has any other information about the robbery is urged to call police on 0300 111 2222, speak to any officer or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
It is understood the woman had around £30 in her bag when it was stolen.