A BRAZEN thief walked into a pensioner’s home in a sheltered housing complex - before being challenged by the elderly resident and fleeing.

The man got into Glebe Court in Kilmacolm on at around 5.45pm on Wednesday posing as a delivery driver and stole cash from a unit on the landing before entering the flat.

He is described as 6ft, with dark unkempt hair and was seen carrying a cardboard box.

When he was challenged he said he was 'delivering something'.

Sergeant Allan O’Hare, of Greenock police, said: “Targeting elderly residents in their homes is a despicable crime at any time however not only has the suspect deprived residents of money, he has put their lives in danger by entering the premises during the coronavirus lockdown.

“It simply won’t be tolerated.

"This incident has left the residents badly shaken and fortunately they were switched on and chased the suspect from the building.

“I would ask everyone to be vigilant during these times and ensure doors and windows are locked, even when in their homes, to make it harder for thieves."

Sgt O'Hare says a number of similar incidents have taken place recently and he is not ruling out the possibility that they could be linked.

He said: “We are investigating a number of recent thefts and we believe they are being carried out by the same suspect but are keeping an open mind.

“I would ask people to report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately."

If anyone has any information about the break-in they should call police on 101 and quote incident number 2918 of April 8.