‘Despicable cowards’ posed as police officers

AN ELDERLY woman was robbed in her home by a pair of “despicable cowards” who pretended to be police officers.

The 85-year-old was locked in a room while the two men ransacked her house, in Newlands, Glasgow, stealing “a lifetime of treasures” including jewellery worth more than £10,000 and more than £1,000 in cash.

Strathclyde Police said the woman invited the men into her home in Fernleigh Road, at about noon yesterday, when they told her they were officers working on an inquiry.

She was not injured, but was said to be extremely distressed by the ordeal.

Detective Inspector Alan McAlpine, who is leading the inquiry, said: “I feel nothing but contempt for these two men, in fact, they are not men, they are cowards and their actions are truly despicable.

“Not only have they frightened an elderly lady, but they have stolen a lifetime of treasures from her which are irreplaceable. It is inconceivable that people think they can get away with pretending to be police officers and use that as a ruse for committing crimes – let me assure you, we will use every single resource at our disposal to catch these two men – and we will catch them.

“No decent member of society would condone such a crime, and I would urge anyone who may have any information or knowledge about these two individuals to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Both men were white and had local accents.

The first is said to be between 40 and 50 years old, about 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall with a stocky build and short, dark hair. He had heavy facial growth, a dark complexion and was wearing a waterproof jacket, possibly with the name “Ricky” on it.

The other man was between 20- and 30-years old and around the same height. He had a slim build and short, fair hair. He was said to be clean shaven and wearing jeans and blue and white canvas shoes.