A CALLOUS thief was disturbed stealing cash and jewellery from a pensioner's home in Peebles yesterday afternoon.


The man in his 70s found the suspect within a bedroom at his home on Dean Park at around 2pm yesterday. The man challenged the intruder and a struggle ensued – the suspect ran from the house towards Edinburgh Road.


Inspector Robbie Noble of Melrose Police Station said: “Fortunately the householder was unhurt during this incident; whilst we would never advise a member of the public to take on a criminal, I commend his bravery in challenging and then pursuing the suspect, who fled on foot with cash and jewellery.


“This incident happened mid-afternoon and the intruder ran off towards the busy Edinburgh Road, so I’m keen to speak to anyone who may have seen him and may be able to assist our investigation.”


The offender is described as a white man, around 5 foot 8 inches tall and of slim build, and was wearing a dark grey baseball cap, a dark zipped jacket and a white t-shirt.


Anyone with information should call PC Charles Hardie at Peebles Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.