Santa steps in to help Larbert pensioner who was robbed of Christmas cash

Larbert Round Table members, Richard Whitefield, left) and Grant Keenan, along with Santa hand over the cash to Sergeant David Ferguson and Sergeant Ally Goldie. Picture: Michael Gillen

The 80-year-old was defrauded out of a three figure sum – money she had saved up to buy her family gifts – last Wednesday, December 16.

Around 12.30pm two men turned up at her home in George Street, Larbert offering to carry out repairs.

The grandmother handed over the cash but the pair disappeared in a silver Ford transit van without carrying out any work.

However, when Larbert Round Table heard about her loss they immediately offered to make up the money with a donation collected by their Santa Sleigh which has been touring the area.

On Monday, members Richard Whitefield and Grant Keenan, plus the man himself, turned up at Larbert Police Office to hand over the cash to be forwarded on to the elderly victim.

Receiving the cash, she said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to the Larbert Round Table and everyone who donated this money to them.

“It will let me now enjoy Christmas and spoil my grandchildren as I had planned.”

Police are still hunting the bogus workmen who are both thought to be about 30 years old with Scottish accents.

One is around 5ft 7ins, slim, bald and wearing glasses, He was wearing a high visibility jacket with a blue gillet on top.

The other is around 6ft 4ins, well buiilt with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark baseball cap.

Larbert Community Sergeant Ally Goldie said: “This is a despicable crime which has targeted a vulnerable elderly member of the community so close to Christmas.

“Please keep a look out for vulnerable neighbours and if you see anyone hanging around their homes, contact police immediately.”