Police are on the hunt for for the robber - who is around 6ft tall and stockily built with dark brown hair - after he targeted the woman’s home in the early hours of Monday morning.

The 66-year-old was asleep in the bedroom of her Corseford Avenue home while the prowler, who had a torch strapped to his head, rummaged through her belongings.

He made so much noise while stealing from her that he woke her up, and she as shocked to see him standing in her bedroom going through her things.

The woman had gone to bed at about 12.30am on December 1 in her small, one bedroom bungalow, which is believed to be a sheltered housing complex.

But at about 5.50am she was woken up by the rustling of clothes and saw the male in her room.

Dressed in all black and wearing an LED head torch, the man was standing next to her bed with his back to her and was looking through her clothes.

When she woke up he walked out of the room and made his escape while she called the police.

Officers raced to the scene but, by the time they got there, the robber had made off with a two-figure sum of cash, bank cards and the woman’s grey purse.

It is not known how he managed to get into the woman’s home and police have said there was no sign of forced entry.

At the time The Gazette went to press officers were investigating whether any fingerprints or DNA had been left at the scene or whether the crook had been caught on any nearby CCTV cameras.

They have increased hi-visibility patrols in the area at night and in the small hours to try and prevent further incidents.

And they have now appeal for anyone with any information on the robbery to come forward.

Inspector Steven Espie told The Gazette his officers were working hard to track down the man responsible.

Anyone who can assist the police with their inquiries is asked to go to Johnstone Police office or to call Police Scotland on 101.

Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.