Provident agent robbed during her rounds

Oct 23 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A THUG is being hunted by cops after a robbery in a West Lothian village.

The criminal struck as a 42-year-old woman was collecting money for Provident in Bridgend last Friday evening.

The masked robber approached her and demanded she hand over cash.

As the thug threatened her with a pole and claimed to have a knife, she handed over her purse which contained a four-figure sum of cash and two cheques.

The robber then ran off through a garden.

His victim was unhurt but badly shaken in the ordeal which took place around 7.10pm, and she was able to provide police with a description of her attacker.

He was around 16 years of age, had a local accent and was wearing a dark balaclava and dark combat style clothing.

A police spokesman urged anyone with information on the attack to contact officers urgently.

He said: “We are treating this incident very seriously and are appealing for witnesses.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident, or has any information on it, is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200.

“Alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and with complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.”