Two drunk men were able to stagger into a disabled pensioner’s flat within a sheltered housing complex unchallenged – sparking calls for tighter security.
The 90-year-old woman was home alone when the two men strolled into her second-floor flat in Northern Court, Fraserburgh.
One of them even shook her hand as he held onto his bottle of cider, while the other hid.
They claimed they were looking for another lady and left, but the OAP was badly shaken.
Last night, her two sons branded the incident a “disgrace” and called for tighter security at the council-run facility.
They were backed by local councillor Ian Tait, who suggested CCTV should be installed.
The family, who want to remain anonymous, said they were at least thankful their mum was not harmed.
One son said: “My mum is disabled. She’s 90 years old and she can’t walk, she needs help and care to get out and about,” he said.
“When she’s in her flat she just sits in her chair and watches TV and does crosswords.
“So at 8pm on Saturday her front door opened and she saw these two guys just standing there. They said they were looking for another lady, but because they were drunk they spoke away there for a few minutes before she phoned my brother who came down.
“Thankfully nothing happened to my mum and nothing was stolen, but she was frightened. We can only assume these guys were loitering with intent to get in to Northern Court, because they certainly wouldn’t have known the door code.”
His brother added: “I’m very disappointed.
“My mother stays on the middle floor, so they would have had to go through the whole of the building. How many other doors did they try?
“She’s paying a colossal amount for rent and is vulnerable, and I think this is a bit of a disgrace.
“If these guys had assaulted her or taken anything, she couldn’t have done anything to stop them. She’s now a prisoner in her own home.”
Aberdeenshire Council is now working with police to “give advice to tenants” about security within Northern Court.
Head of housing Rob Simpson added: “We are obviously concerned that unauthorised people were able to gain access to Northern Court.”
But local councillor Mr Tait called for more to be done to step up security, after being contacted by the family.
He said: “There have been reports of people getting in to the building and stealing in the past.
“I’ve now been in touch with the council to see what they can do about this.
“I’ve also asked for CCTV, and I honestly believe complexes that are providing sheltered housing should have CCTV.
“I can’t accept that this latest incident involving two drunken men is acceptable. Something really needs to change.”
He also urged residents to make sure they do not leave the front door – which visitors have to enter a code to unlock – insecure.
Local safety group chairman Brian Topping added: “There is a very good and secure door system in place.
“But in the evenings, tenants should not be letting anyone in unless they know it is someone there for them. I appreciate that it can be quite easy for people thinking they are doing a good turn.
“It is very concerning that these people are attempting to get in – everyone’s safety is paramount.”