Larkhall pensioner battered and robbed in his own home

Oct 29 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A HORRIFIED relative of an OAP battered and robbed in his home told how his evil attackers left him for dead because he didn’t have money to give them.

The 66-year-old victim, who doesn’t want to be named in fear of reprisals, almost bled to death during the sickening and brutal attack at his home in the Hareleeshill area of Larkhall.

He was left with finger marks around his neck after his female attacker attempted to choke him.

Police believe he is the latest victim of a conniving couple in their late 20s who have targeted up to a dozen elderly and vulnerable members in the town.

The couple befriend their victims in order to get into their homes and steal from them.

In the latest incident, a row erupted between the victim, who has a blood-clotting condition, and the woman.

She then battered him over the head with an ornament because he didn’t have any money to give her.

He fell to the ground and was slumped on the floor with blood pouring from a head wound as she ransacked his home.

The OAP managed to his hit panic button and the alarm was raised before being taken to hospital.

Although the victim only saw the woman, police believe that she may have been operating with a man.

Now the OAP’s family have appealed for the public’s help in finding the attackers.

The relative, who also didn’t want to be identified, said: “I consider what they done to be attempt murder.

“They left him for dead.

“I am horrified at the extent of an evil and unprovoked attacked in his home.”

Police believe the couple gain the confidence of their victims in order to enter their homes and then steal their money.

They then intimidate those targeted into not reporting the matter to the police.

Inspector Andy Munro, of Larkhall Police Office, said the couple have to be caught before they strike again.

“This is a disturbing and despicable crime on vulnerable and elderly members of society,” he said.

“There is a good community spirit in Larkhall and I am sure local people will be shocked by these crimes.

“I am confident that people will know who the couple are and will come forward with information on them to police.

“We must do everything we can to clear the streets of Larkhall of these two people.

“I cannot stress how important it is that the community come forward and identify this couple.

“We need information to stop this pair carrying out further attacks on the elderly and vulnerable.

“We need to bring them to justice.

“If anyone wants to speak to me about it personally, then they are welcome to come into my office.”

Anyone with information should contact Larkhall Community Policing Team on 202340, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 55511, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.