Police hunt burglars who impersonated householder

Dec 23 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A GANG of thieves gained access to a Blantyre woman’s flat after one of them impersonated her over an intercom system.

Police are hunting the yobs, one of whom is female, after they broke into the Bothwell Drive home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The female householder had left her home on Saturday night at about 10pm and did not discover the break-in until 7am on Sunday, December 19.

It emerged that, at around 2.20am, neighbours woke to the sound of someone pressing the buzzer to gain access to the flats.

Police said that one of the block’s residents answered the call and spoke to a female, who claimed to be the householder, even using her name.

After granting access, the neighbour then heard male voices in the close and a repeated banging noise along with shouting.

These sounds were not investigated by residents, a police spokesman said, as they still believed the householder was home.

However, when the woman returned home at 7am, she found her front door had been kicked in and her home ransacked.

It was at this point that police were called.

Although nothing of significant value was stolen, a gift bag containing personal items such as soap and pyjamas, worth around £25, was taken.

However, the yobs trashed an LCD television, causing around £500-worth of damage.

Police are now keen to trace the persons responsible – at least one female and one male – and are appealing for information.

It is likely the vandals knew the householder as they used her name to gain access.

Anyone with information should call Blantyre Police Office on 01698 202565 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.