A woman who was robbed of £50,000 worth of property in Banff is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in the aftermath of her ordeal.
It is understood she had been suffering from heart problems and was taken to hospital in an ambulance yesterday morning.
A collection of jewellery, including gold rings, bracelets, watches and necklaces, worth almost £50,000, was stolen from the her home on Sandyhill Road, Banff, last Wednesday.
The items were removed, reportedly from inside a safe, in a theft by housebreaking between 8am and 6pm on October 3.
One resident on the street said yesterday: “It has put everyone on edge.
“No one would be happy knowing someone in their area was robbed during the day time.”
Another added: “I think it is worrying that it happened here when it is normally such a lovely place.”
A third resident said she was simply shocked by what had happened.
Councillor Mark Findlater agreed it was understandable that locals were concerned about the incident in what is normally a quiet area of the town.
He added: “If anyone thinks they have any information, they should definitely contact the police as they rely 100% on public intelligence to catch the perpetrators.
“Hopefully,they can do that and also recover the stolen goods.”
Police officers in north Aberdeenshire have also appealed for information in the aftermath of the high-value theft.
PC Sean Horne, who is investigating the crime, said: “This incident occurred during daylight hours on a fairly busy road in Banff.
“I am keen to speak to anyone who saw anything unusual or suspicious in the area of Sandyhill Road last Wednesday to get in touch.
“A white van was seen in the area at the time and the driver may have information that could be useful to us.
“The owners are understandably upset by this incident, especially because a number of items taken held great sentimental value.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It isn’t known whether the woman’s health was directly affected by the incident.
