Police hunt wrinkly robber over spate of car break-ins

The bespectacled bandit is pictured making his getaway following a brazen daylight raid on an NCP car park in Greenside Place.

He is believed to be aged between 65 and 75.

Carrying an orange bag, the well-heeled pensioner – dressed in a shirt and tie with black suit trousers – attempts to shield his identity by wearing a peaked baseball cap.

But his image was captured on CCTV inside the Omni Centre complex, right.

A number of items were stolen from a car which was forced open on the afternoon of October 20.

It is one of a number of similar break-ins at car parks across the city centre in recent months, including at least one at the St James Shopping Centre last week.

Inspector Gary Dickson, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “A number of items were stolen in this most recent incident, and we are keen to speak to the man in the CCTV image as part of our  inquiries.

“Anyone who recognises him, or can provide any information regarding his present whereabouts, should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131.”

Roger Ashley, head of  operations for NCP Scotland and Newcastle, said people should be careful not to leave Christmas presents on display.

“Break-ins at car parks are incredibly unusual when you think that we park several few thousand vehicles each day at our facilities,” he said.

“Security is of paramount importance.

“To the best of my knowledge we have had two incidents of break-ins on vehicles since this took place and I know that other operators have also experienced a similar problem with opportunist breaks-ins which can happen at this time of the year with Christmas presents being stored in vehicles.”

Uniform and plain clothes police officers have been  providing crime prevention advice to car park customers.

They say people should keep presents, satellite navigation systems and handbags out of sight and preferably in the boot. It is understood NCP has been working in tandem with police for up to six weeks on an awareness campaign

Mr Ashley added: “Greenside car park has patrol staff and patrol vans constantly driving in and out. But it’s also about making customers aware of the potential for crime, not just in car parks but at home.

“At this time of the year we have increased staffing levels to make sure customers’ parking is the best it can be.”