Police appeal to find bogus caller who robbed vulnerable Kilwinning pensioners of their handbags

Heartless thieves preyed on the two women - aged 76 and 89 respectively - and made off with their handbags after gaining entry to their homes.

At around 2.30pm on Saturday, April 2 at an address in Woodwynd, a man attended the home of the 76-year-old woman.

He claimed to be working at a nearby address and that he required to check the water.

Upon gaining access to the property he stole a handbag before making off.

The second incident took place on Moncur Road on Monday, April 4. At around 4.15pm, a man attended the home address of the 89 year-old woman.

Again, the man gained access by claiming that he was required to check the water and then made off with a handbag.

The suspect is described as white man, around 5ft 5” to 5ft 10”, with a slim build and aged between his 30’s and 40’s.

Detective Constable Keith Runcie of Saltcoats Police Office is now appealing for information.

He said: “We are assuming that these incidents are linked based on the information we currently have.

“This is a despicable individual who has preyed on vulnerable members of our community in a calculated manner. 

"It is totally unacceptable to leave anyone feeling unsafe in their own home.

“There may be other people in the North Ayrshire area who have been approached by the suspect who haven’t yet come forward to police. 

"If you have had someone at your door recently that you were unsure of, or if an elderly relative has informed you of an incident, I would like to hear from you.”

Anyone who can assist with this police investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland officers at Saltcoats on 101. 

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.