Officers were examining CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door inquiries last night as police stepped up the hunt for a heartless thief who stole from an injured pensioner.
Last night relatives revealed the OAP was known to carry hundreds of pounds in his wallet because he “did not trust” the bank with his money.
The 71-year-old was targeted after he tripped and fell in the street just feet away from his Torry home.
It is understood a man saw him slip and stopped at the public stairs between Farquhar Road and Girdleness Road – apparently to help him.
But rather than assist the struggling pensioner, the villain stole his wallet containing a “mid three-figure sum” and fled the scene.
Members of the public called the emergency services after finding the victim injured, alone and in pain.
It is understood the pensioner’s family, who live near him in Torry, were unaware of the incident until yesterday afternoon as they had been on holiday abroad.
A family member said they had gone round to see him on Tuesday night, but got no answer at his door.
The OAP remained in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he is receiving treatment for a broken leg, last night.
Police said inquiries were continuing in an effort to find out who carried out the sickening theft.
It is understood a wallet was found near where the incident took place around 7.30pm on Monday, and has been handed to officers.
The Press and Journal has offered a £1,000 reward to anyone who can help bring the culprit to justice.
Neighbours described the victim as a “fine man” who “kept himself to himself”.
One woman said she normally heard the OAP let his cat out every night, but that she had not noticed him for a couple of days.
“I can’t believe someone would do something so heartless,” she said.
It is believed the pensioner suffered a fall at his home a couple of weeks ago, and had only been leaving the house to go to the local pub.
A family member said he always withdrew all of his pension as he “didn’t trust the bank with his money”.
He also liked to have extra cash on him so he could help out anyone struggling to buy a pint.
Anyone with information on the attack is urged to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.