'Despicable crimes': Man, 84, robbed in his own home twice

An 84-year-old man has been robbed in his South Lanarkshire home twice in the last week.

Police are investigating the “absolutely despicable crimes”, which happened at a flat in May Gardens, Hamilton.

The first theft took place between Sunday and Monday when two women gained access to the building and asked to use the pensioner’s bathroom.

After they left, he discovered a mid-three figure sum had been stolen.

The first woman was described as between 40 and 45 years old, around 5 ft 5 ins tall, of stock build, with blonde hair and a local accent. Her accomplice was slightly taller, with a slim build, black hair and wore a dark-coloured scarf.

Around 8pm on Thursday, the first woman returned with a man. The two stole a larger three-figure sum and assaulted the victim when he tried to stop them. The man is described as being in his 50-60s, approximately 6ft tall, of a big build and had a local accent.

Detective sergeant Kevin Clark said: “These are two absolutely despicable crimes, which have left the victim embarrassed, shaken and fearing for his safety in his own home.

“We are appealing to anyone with any information to come forward, particularly if you believe you may have seen the suspects in or around the area on either of these occasions.

“Incidents like this also drive home the importance of ensuring you don’t open your door to anyone you are not certain of. Never let anyone make you feel pressured into letting them into your home, for whatever reason.

“We would also ask people to look out for family members and neighbours who may be vulnerable, and may be seen as an easy target for this sort of crime.”

Anyone with information on these incidents should call police on 101.