By Maura Bowman

A 72-YEAR-OLD woman has become the latest Dundee victim in a spate of street robberies targeting the elderly in Tayside.

The situation has become so alarming that police have already issued a warning to pensioners.

The latest incident happened on Saturday, when the 72-year-old had her handbag stolen beside St Peter and Paul’s Church in Byron Street at around 4pm.

The bag snatcher ran off from the rear of the church into Milton Street and was last seen heading towards Strathmore Avenue.

He is described as being in his 20s and was wearing a blue hooded top and jeans.

Police would also like to trace the occupants of what is thought to be a red Ford Mondeo, who helped the victim and challenged the robber before he ran from the scene.

On this occasion, the woman escaped uninjured, but others haven’t been as lucky.

Among recent victims is brave 81-year-old Cathie McCabe, who suffered multiple fractures when she tried to fight off the man who stole her handbag in Dundee’s Main Street a fortnight ago.

Police fear that the rise in muggings may be linked to a change in the local drugs scene, with dealers now demanding addicts pay up in cash rather than in stolen goods.

Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Wilson, head of Tayside Police CID, said, “We don’t want people to get the impression that they should be afraid to be out.

“But, at the same time, it doesn’t do any harm to be aware of your surroundings.

“Small things like not having cash on display, like having your handbag tucked under your arm or across your body, can make you look less vulnerable.”

Anyone with information on the latest robbery is asked to contact Tayside Police on 01382 223200, or speak to any officer.