A Balfron pensioner was left gutted when “despicable” crooks raided his home and stole a number of items after duping him by claiming his ponies had broken loose from their paddock.
The 80-year-old pony farmer was conned by a gang of callous scammers, who knocked his door on Wednesday, January 19, morning to tell him that his beloved ponies had got free from their pen – however that proved to be part of an elaborate plan to draw him from his house, which was then raided.
John Paterson, who lives at a farm between Balfron Station and Gartmore, has told how the crooks worked together to gain access to his property and steal a number of high value items.
Among the items swiped was an expensive Fredrick Remington bronze statue, a gold Omega watch and gold-plated cutlery set.
In addition, Mr Paterson says they even raided his linen and clothes cupboards in a bid to find cash.
The shocking theft occurred at around 10.30am when one of the crooks informed him of the loose ponies.
The culprit then accompanied Mr Paterson to go and locate the ponies but while he was away his home was broken into by two other men, police believe.
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Mr Paterson believes the man who informed him his ponies were on the loose then contacted the pair who entered his house to let them know the coast was clear.
Mr Paterson believes the raiders were inside his home for around 12 minutes while he tended to the animals.
Speaking to the Observer this week, Mr Paterson said: “They were looking for money.
“All my linen cupboards and all of my clothes cupboards were empty, they thought I had money hidden in there.
“They were only in for 12 minutes. It was well done.
“They came to the door saying that the gate was open and the ponies were out.
“I just took off, thinking that the ponies were in the road and the time I was up there he phoned them to tell them know that the coast was clear.”
He added: “I went away and didn’t lock the door. If the cattle are out on the road you just run, because somebody could get hurt.
“It was well planned, they knew the set up.”
The man who came to the door is described as being white, around five feet, five inches tall with a medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a furry hat.
Officers have also issued descriptions of the two other man they believe entered the house. The first is described as in his late 20s or early 30s, with short hair and wearing dark clothing.
The second man was in his early 20s, with a thin face. He was wearing a mask in an effort to disguise himself. He too was wearing dark clothing.
Enquiries carried out so far have established that the suspects were using a black, pick-up type of vehicle.
Officers are appealing for any information and are advising people to be extra vigilant and look out for any suspicious people or vehicles.
Sergeant Sarah Stephenson said: “The people involved in this are despicable. They have deliberately set out to distract this man so they can gain entry and steal his belongings.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0929 of January 18.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
