Pensioner robbed in Glasgow home by bogus police officers
An 85-year-old woman was locked in a room while robbers, pretending to be police officers, stole a "lifetime of treasures", detectives have said.
The two men ransacked the woman's home in Fernleigh Road, in the Newlands area of Glasgow, at about 12:00 on Monday.
They stole jewellery worth more than £10,000 and more than £1,000 in cash.
Det Insp Alan McAlpine, of Strathclyde Police, who is leading the inquiry, said the robbers were "cowards" whose actions were "truly despicable".
The men told the pensioner they were police officers working on an inquiry so she invited them into her home.
She was not injured but was said to be extremely distressed by her ordeal.
Det Insp McAlpine said: "I feel nothing but contempt for these two men, in fact, they are not men, they are cowards and their actions are truly despicable.
"Not only have they frightened an elderly lady, but they have stolen a lifetime of treasures from her which are irreplaceable."
He added: "It is inconceivable that people think they can get away with pretending to be police officers and use that as a ruse for committing crimes - let me assure you, we will use every single resource at our disposal to catch these two men - and we will catch them.
"No decent member of society would condone such a crime and I would urge anyone who may have any information or knowledge about these two individuals to contact us as a matter of urgency."
Both men were described as being white and had local accents.
The first was between 40 and 50 years old, about 5ft 7in-5ft 8in tall, of stocky build with short, dark hair. He had heavy facial growth, a dark complexion and was wearing a waterproof jacket, possibly with the name "Ricky" on it.
The other man was between 20 and 30 years old and about the same height. He was of slim build and had short, fair hair. He was said to be clean-shaven and wearing jeans and blue and white canvas shoes.
Officers have been conducting door-to-door inquiries and said they would be reviewing CCTV images in order to gain more information about the suspects.
Forensic officers have also been carrying out examinations at the scene.