Girvan pensioner attacked and robbed at home

Oct 17 2008

A FRAIL pensioner was brutally attacked and robbed in her own home.

The 85-year-old was hit from behind and shoved to the floor as she walked through her front door.

Her attacker then forced the terrified woman into her house and demanded money from her.

Afterwards, he grabbed her handbag and fled from the Girvan house – leaving the defenceless woman lying helpless on the floor.

The horrific incident happened at around 8.30pm on Thursday, October 9 in Hervey Road.

The lady was returning home from visiting her brother but didn’t realise someone was following her.

Police say the attack has sickened the local community and have vowed to catch the man responsible.

They are already conducting door to door enquiries and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone hanging around the area of Hervey Road and Wreck Road at the time to get in touch.

Likewise, cops want to speak to anyone who may have seen the lady walking home. She was wearing a full-length blue coat.

The traumatised victim is now recovering from facial injuries at home.

Police say that although they have a difficult task ahead of them, they are determined to catch the thug who committed this appalling crime.

Inspector Andy Claperton at Girvan said: “This type of crime is very uncommon in this area, but it’s concerning and we want to find the person responsible.

“I believe it’s someone local we are looking for and that they have been trying to target a vulnerable person.

“At the time of the attack it was bucketing with rain so there were no pedestrians around at all. This lady lives in a dead end street so there was no through traffic and the area isn’t particularly well lit.

“However, quite often these people will talk and I’m sure they’ll have told someone what they have done. All we need is a line on this, someone to point us in the right direction.

“It’s crucial that anyone who knows anything, however insignificant it may seem, should contact the police as a matter of urgency. They don’t have to give us their name.

“I’m particularly concerned that if this person thinks they have got away with it they’ll do it again. The quicker we get this man caught and locked up the better.”

The lady’s multicoloured handbag is still missing along with its contents.

Anyone with any information should contact Ayr CID on 01292 664000 or to contact Girvan Police office on 01465 713587.

Information may also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

All calls are confidential and the caller can remain anonymous.