A pensioner today told of her terror after she and her husband were locked in a bathroom by masked armed robbers before they made off with cash, Rolex watches and a car.
Frances and Phillip Youngs were in their home in Dundee’s Clearwater Park when the two attackers suddenly appeared before them around 7.20pm on Wednesday.
The pair – who hid their faces behind Burberry scarves – threatened the couple, both in their 70s, with knives before locking them in a bathroom as they ransacked the home.
Mrs Youngs told how she thought the pair could have stabbed her and her husband – who suffers from Parkinson’s – during the 15 minute ordeal.
She said cash, Rolex watches, jewellery worth thousands of pounds and a car belonging to the carer of the couple’s disabled daughter had been stolen.
Mrs Youngs said: “We hadn’t heard anything – they just appeared.
“Both had Burberry scarves covering half their faces and one was brandishing a weapon.
“It could have been a knife – we could have been stabbed.
“He pointed it at us and demanded money.
“One of them disappeared up the stairs and the other one stayed with us.”
Mrs Youngs said the robbers forced the couple into a small downstairs toilet and pushed a chair against the door.
She added: “That really scared me. I had no idea how long they were going to be in there.
“I was really scared they would push or hurt my husband.
“I felt it was up to me to keep the robbers calm.
“They told me they wouldn’t hurt us and to just do what they said.”
The couple’s daughter, Susan, who has cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, was out with her carer at the time.
Mrs Youngs added: “Before they left they kicked the chair away from the door. They stole the car belonging to the carer who was out with my daughter.”
Detectives are now trying to trace that black Vauxhall Corsa car, registration number SG13 ZLZ.
Detective Inspector Gavin McKinlay, of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division, said: “Thankfully, the couple were unhurt but extremely shocked by the incident.
“We are keen to trace two men in connection with the robbery. They made off with ladies and gents jewellery, cash, currency and a black Vauxhall Corsa with the registration mark SG13 ZLZ.
“One of the men is described as being five foot eight inches tall, of slim build, with dark hair. He was wearing a grey knitted hat and a Burberry scarf over his face.
“The other man is described as been five foot eight inches tall, of slim build, with dark hair.
“He was wearing a hat and a Burberry scarf over his face. He was wearing a cream coloured jacket with a circular motif.
“Officers are carrying out door to door enquiries and a review of CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
“We believe there is no wider risk to the public but there will be a continued presence in the area whilst inquiries are ongoing.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland added: “Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting CR/27950/18 or speak to any police officers.
“Alternatively if you have any information about the incident you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”