A 70-year-old Dundee carer has been left devastated after callous thieves stole hundreds of pounds she had saved for a dream holiday with her autistic grandson.
The pensioner had set-aside nearly £500 for the trip of a lifetime to Bulgaria with her 11-year-old grandson – but fears her saving may have been in vain.
Police are now hunting the thugs behind the crime, which has left the Coldside woman heartbroken.
Her niece, 34-year-old Paula Clare, said: “She is absolutely devestated. The holiday is ruined.
“She had been saving for years and years and now they have taken it. She is just so shocked, she even had a panic attack.”
Paula’s aunt had hoped to take £475 to Credit Union in the city centre but, after she found it closed, decided to take her autistic grandson to KFC and return another time.
She had only sat down for a few minutes on Wednesday with the 11-year-old when she realised her purse had been snatched.
“She’s been left terrified by it all,” Paula said.
“They both really deserve a holiday. She spends everyday looking after him and now they’ve taken that money their chance of a break together is ruined.
“She wants it back so badly. It is a really horrible thing.”
Police confirmed they were investigating the theft, which took place at around 5.30pm in the High Street KFC.
A 68-year-old woman also had her purse stolen on Wednesday in the city centre at 1pm – and officers have issued a warning to those visiting the area to keep an eye on their belongings.
A spokesperson said: “Shoppers should not take more money than they need when shopping. Expensive items should be left at home, rather than carried in a purse or handbag. Don’t make it easy for the thief by leaving purses and other valuable property in clear view in bags or trolleys; ensure your property is secured and hidden away.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak with any officer.