Police in Elgin are hunting a thief who kicked down the door of a 90-year-old deaf and mute woman before stealing her handbag.
The incident happened in Mossend Place, New Elgin between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday.
Police say that they would welcome information on a man seen in the area who is described as being around 30-years-old, 5ft 7in in height with short brown hair and a large mole on his right cheek.
The man was wearing a bottle green hip-length jacket at the time of the theft.
Investigating the incident is Constable Brian Donaldson, who said: “I would like to remind householders to be vigilant – particularly at this time of year. They should consider their home security in order to deter opportunist thieves.”
It is understood that the victim has lived on the street for around 20 years and is described as a “frail but very nice person” by neighbours.
Local councillor Graham Leadbitter said: “It is horrific that anyone should carry out such an attack on the property of an elderly lady in this manner and I would appeal to people in the area who may have any information, no matter how insignificant it might appear to them, to contact the police immediately.”
It is believed that the victim had only a small sum of cash in the stolen handbag.