Pensioner led to ATM then 'hounded' into handing cash over

Police are hunting a woman who “hounded” a pensioner into withdrawing cash from an ATM and handing it over.

The extortion took place in Aberdeen on a number of occasions between Wednesday, June 17 and Tuesday, July 7.

The victim was approached by the suspect asking for money at the junction of Summerfield Terrace and King Street.

The elderly woman was then taken to an ATM within a shop at the junction of Urquhart Road and King Street.

Police said she was “hounded into withdrawing cash and handing it over”.

The victim is believed to have withdrawn up to a four-figure sum during the period of coercion.

The suspect, who was described as gaunt-looking, is believed to be in her late 20s.

She had long brown hair, which was sometimes worn in a ponytail, and was wearing casual clothing.

Constable Louise Calder said: “This has been a traumatising experience for the elderly woman who was subjected to ongoing harassment from the suspect. She is being supported by her family and our officers.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the King Street area between these dates and witnessed an elderly woman being approached by or withdrawing money whilst next to a woman matching the suspect’s description to get in touch.

“Have you been approached by a woman in the city centre matching this description asking for money? If so, we would also like to hear from you.

“We want to make sure that the people in our communities are kept safe and informed and I would urge you to speak to elderly or vulnerable family and friends to advise them of these types of incidents and reduce the likelihood of them becoming a victim.”

If you have any information, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.