Sick thug hunt

Published 28 Apr 2010 15:55 0 Comments

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By Jennifer Black

A DANGEROUS robber is targeting vulnerable women and is linked to FOUR attacks in five weeks.

Police are hunting the sick thief and are warning women to be extra cautious when out on their own.

The man has struck on several Tuesdays in the last few weeks leading to the belief he may be a drug addict desperate to feed his habit.

On each occasion he has successfully stolen cash from his victims after grabbing their handbags.

Detective Constable Julie Matthews said: "We have concerns that this could escalate into something more serious."

Police believe the man is from the Elderslie area - where he mugged three of his victims.

Yesterday's attack comes a week after an attack on the Main Road, three weeks after a similar incident in Stoddard Square and five weeks since an assault in Lexwell Avenue.

Police have issued a description of the thief as male, between the age of 17 and 22, strawberry blonde fair hair with a slim build.

Last Tuesday a 43-year-old female was approached from behind near Newton Terrace at 11.10am.

She was knocked to the ground as the thief grabbed her bag and ran off towards Paisley.

Passers-by stopped and helped the woman, from Johnstone Castle, who was shaken by the incident but didn't require any hospital treatment.

Police combed the area, including the cycle track, on foot and with force dogs but there was no trace of the robber.

Two weeks previously, a 65-year-old woman was attacked outside the village's swimming pool when the man grabbed her handbag.

As she tried to fight back the strap of her bag broke and she fell, hitting her head off the ground.

The first attack happened in Lexwell Avenue, at the end of March, when a 69-year -old woman suffered a broken wrist when he robbed her of her handbag and ran off towards the golf course.

Yesterday's attack in Fulbar Drive is worrying for the police and they are appealing for help from the public.

Detective constable Julie Matthews said: "We have concerns that this could escalate into something more serious.

"We are looking for anyone with information to contact Johnstone police office on 01505 404000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111."

One Elderslie resident told the Gazette that she is hoping that the police find the culprit soon before someone gets seriously hurt.

She said: "He seems to be targeting woman which is pretty terrifying.

"I've warned my mum to be careful when she is out in case something happens to her.

"Who knows what he is capable of?"

This article appeared in The Gazette 28 Apr 10

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