Probe after four thefts of cash in Aberdeen city centre

Police are investigating after four people - including pensioners - had money stolen from them in Aberdeen city centre.

The first incident reported took place around 2.30pm last Tuesday (February 2) when a 77-year-old man was approached after he used an ATM on St Nicholas Street. The other man asked him for money, then grabbed a two-figure sum from him.

The second report was made on Friday when a 67-year-old woman had her purse stolen from her bag on Market Street.

The third crime took place on Union Street around 4.45pm yesterday (Sunday) when an 80 year-old woman had her purse stolen from her bag as she waited at a bus stop.

The fourth crime reported was on St Nicholas Street around 11am today (Monday). A 63 year-old woman used a nearby ATM then went into St Nicholas Centre where she had money grabbed from her hand.

Sergeant Nick Searle of Queen Street police station said: "I would like to reassure the public that we are carrying out extensive inquiries to trace whoever is responsible for these thefts to trace them as soon as possible.

"Officers are studying a large amount of CCTV footage in connection with this ongoing investigation and we are following a number of lines of inquiry at this time.

"I would also encourage everyone to be extra vigilant when you are taking money from an ATM or out shopping, and to never carry around large quantities of cash. Please also keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report any concerns to us."