Saltcoats man robbed as he lay waiting for ambulance
Police want to find whoever is responsible
Last updated 6th Mar 2024
A Saltcoats man admits he is considering moving away from the seaside town after he was robbed waiting for an ambulance outside his home.
Robbie Smith insists he remains “scared” following the fall at around 1am on Sunday morning in which possibly two men raid his pockets as he lay helpless awaiting emergency services.
His phone and bank cards were taken alongside £100 in cash and the distraught resident explained he isn’t sure if he fell or was pushed to the ground by people intent on mugging him.
Speaking to Clyde 1, Mr Smith said: “I don’t know if I was tripped, or if I fell over the kerb, but I landed on my face.
“I managed to get my phone out of my trouser pocket to phone 999, because I tried to get up and I couldn’t I was stuck, I couldn’t get up, I was helpless.
“I was told they were going to send someone out for me.”
The 54-year-old had been enjoying a few drinks with friends in Saltcoats before the incident and claims police have informed him the theft may have been the work of people local to his home near the Iceland retail outlet.
“I am actually thinking about getting a move from here,” Mr Smith continued.
“If it’s my next-door neighbours then, I will be really shocked. I don’t talk to them, and I don’t know who they are, but if it is anything to do with people on this street, then I’m off. I’m away.”
Mr Smith – who lives with Parkinson’s and Asthma – says he has been left with just £8 to his name for food this week as a result of the theft and fears the whole attack will leave a lasting impact on him.
He added: “I was scared lying there face down, couldn’t turn or anything like that. I couldn’t get up.
“The ground was wet because of the rain, so when the ambulance came they got me home and told me to get out of my wet clothes.”
"On Sunday, I didn’t want to go anywhere, didn’t want to do nothing."
“I locked all my doors and kept them locked all day.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 2.45am on Sunday, 3 March, 2024 we received a report of a theft from a man who had fallen in the Braes Road area of Saltcoats.
"Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 0494 of 3 March."
The Scottish Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.