Police are hunting a heartless thief who stole wedding rings from the fingers of an elderly dementia sufferer.
Dorothy Clark, 85, was living alone in Dundee when four rings, perfume and her television were stolen.
Age Concern condemned the theft, describing it as a tragedy for Mrs Clark and an act that could spread fear among the city’s elderly.
Mrs Clark’s family think a thief had been befriending the pensioner for weeks before the possessions went missing.
Her daughter, Dot Wilkie, 53, said: “My mum was robbed in her own home last Friday, and I think the person who did it had been visiting her before that.
“But because my mum suffers badly from dementia, she didn’t realise what was happening and she couldn’t tell us about it properly.
“When she first said someone had been into the house, we just thought she was confused.
“But then perfume bottles went missing, and the next time we visited her we found four of her rings were taken two wedding rings, an eternity ring, and one with a ruby in it.
“She never took those rings off, and I am certain someone must have pulled them off her hands. They were so precious to her.
“I am in shock that someone would take advantage of a vulnerable woman.”
Mrs Clark lived alone for five years after her husband died, and she has now moved to a sheltered housing unit.
She has three children who live in Dundee, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Her dementia was diagnosed less than six months ago, but Mrs Clark’s health has deteriorated quickly.
Dot said: “She is very confused for much of the time and she doesn’t recognise her own grandchildren.
“She would never be able to point out the person who did this to her. It’s so upsetting for me to think about.
“I want to warn other people that if their elderly relatives are confused about who is coming into their homes, they need to listen to them.
“I am appealing to the public if anyone knows what was going on, then please contact the police.”
Patrick Delargy, senior manager of Age Concern Dundee, said: “The issue here is that not only is this terrible for the lady concerned, but it also sends a message to other older people who will be frightened by this incident.
“They will become more anxious about their own safety as a result.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Tayside Division are investigating a break-in to the property in the Downfield area.
“The house was targeted between 10.55am on Thursday January 9 and 9.30am on Friday January 10. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland.”