Bogus courier ties up and robs young woman (25) in Larkhall home

Aug 25 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A YOUNG Asian woman was subjected to a terrifying ordeal after being tied up, attacked and robbed by a thug posing as a courier.

It happened at a doctor’s house in Larkhall, where she is understood to have been working as a nanny.

The 25-year-old woman, who was named by neighbours as Reshma Lugan, answered the door at the bungalow in Church Street last Thursday at 11.15am.

On the doorstep, a man claimed to be from a courier company... and then barged his way into the home when questioned by the frightened woman who locals say works as a nanny.

The intruder then tied her up, assaulted her and ransacked the home.

The raider made off with a quantity of jewellery which was of Indian design and manufacture.

About an hour later, the woman managed to raise the alarm and police swooped on the home.

The shocked victim was taken to Wishaw General Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries before being released.

Detectives this week stepped up their hunt for the robber who was wearing a courier company logo on both shoulders of his body warmer.

Officers were this week examining CCTV footage of nearby shops and businesses in a bid to identify him.

John Muir, who has lived across the street from the house in Church Street for the past 16 years, said he was shocked by the incident.

“It is terrible, especially the time of day it happened at,” he added.

“It’s the first time that anything like this has happened here.

“It is usually a quiet area.”

One motorist, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It is horrifying.

“Police were at the house for hours and tape went around the house.

“The front window must have been smashed as a glazier was standing outside the front of the house.”

A local businessman said: “Doctors have been living in the house for about four or five years.

“I have been told that it was the nanny who was in the house at the time.”

The bungalow is set to make way for a new roundabout which will be built in Church Street as part of the ASDA development.

Larkhall councillor Jackie Burns, deputy leader of the council, said he was concerned about the vicious attack but hoped it was an isolated incident.

“It is shocking that this has taken place in daylight in a busy area,” he added.

“Hopefully, the public will be able to help the police identify the suspect and that he is apprehended.”

The robber is described as being about 30 to 50 years old, 6ft tall and was wearing black trousers and shoes, white shirt and black sleeveless body warmer that had the logo of a courier company on both shoulders.

Detective constable Jennifer Sneddon of Hamilton CID, who is leading the investigation, said it had been a “traumatic experience for the young woman” and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

She added: “I’d like to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible in tracking down the person responsible for this robbery.”

Anyone with information on the incident should contact DC Sneddon at Hamilton CID on 01698 483300, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.