Update: Police release more details of Forth Valley distraction theft which targeted 80-year-old man

The theft happened at 10.30am on Wednesday, January 18 at a rural premises near Balfron Station when a man called at the door of the 80-year-old’s home and told him a number of his ponies had got loose from the paddock.

The man who provided the information accompanied the 80-year-old man to go and locate the ponies.

However, this was to distract the man, and, while he was away, his home was broken into. A number of items were stolen, including a watch, a bronze statue and a set of cutlery.

The man who came to the door is white, around 5ft 5ins with a medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a furry hat.

Officers believe two other men entered the house. The first is in his late 20s or early 30s, with short hair and was 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 and he too was wearing dark clothing.

Enquiries carried out so far have establishedt the suspects were using a black, pick-up type of vehicle. Officers are appealing for any information and 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.

"I am asking anyone who was in the area that day to think back and consider if they noticed anything suspicious. In particular, I would ask motorists with dash cams to look at their footage as it may have captured an image which could be useful in our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0929 of January 18. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.