Elderly residents targeted in 'despicable' cash thefts
Two elderly people have been robbed in their own homes in "despicable" thefts.
Two elderly people have been robbed in their own homes in "despicable" thefts.
Police believe one man may be behind the bogus caller incidents in Prestwick on Friday but are "keeping an open mind".
In the first theft a man "conned" his way into the home of an 87-year-old woman in Wallace Court at around 6pm and stole a quantity of cash, officers said.
Then around 7.30pm a man managed to make his way into the home of a partially sighted 94-year-old man around one mile away in Adamton Road South and stole another quantity of cash.
The suspect is white, around 5ft 9in with a heavy build and a Scottish accent. He has short brown hair and was wearing a beige jumper and trousers.
Police said they do not know how many people are involved in the scheme and are "at a loss as to how anyone can conduct themselves in such a way".
Officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries in both areas to find out more about those involved.
Detective Constable Karen Smith said: "Unfortunately, two of our most vulnerable members of the community have been duped by these despicable people.
"I am at a loss as to how anyone can conduct themselves in such a way and feel nothing but contempt for people who carry out such crimes.
"I am determined to find them and hold them to account for their actions. I am appealing to local residents and anyone who may have been in these areas to think and consider if they saw anything which seemed a little odd.
"It's possible someone may have seen this man in the company of another, perhaps approaching doors in and around the area. If you have any information or knowledge about either incidents or the man described, please get in touch as a matter of urgency and help us find these people."
Anyone with information can contact officers on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.