Couple's Car Stolen At Knifepoint

18 April 2017, 15:27

A couple have been robbed of their car at knifepoint after advertising it for sale online.

The man and woman, aged 58 and 54, were threatened in the driveway of their house in Glasgow Road, Paisley, at around 2.50pm on Monday after taking the black BMW 1 Series on a test drive with a potential buyer.

They had received a response to an online advert from a man on Monday and arranged a meeting at their home, police said.

They agreed to join the man in a test drive around the local area but when arrived back at their address another man appeared and threatened them with a knife.

The two men then left in the car towards Hawkhead Road. The registration of the car is NJ12 NUC.

Police said the couple were uninjured but left ``in a state of shock'' following the theft.

It was described as an ``isolated and callous'' incident and officers are checking CCTV from the area.

Both suspects are white, Scottish, aged between 20 and 25 and around 5ft 8in. The first man had a slim build, short dark hair and was wearing a luminous green hooded top, navy blue trousers and nylon trainers.

The second man had fair hair shaved at the sides and longer on the top and was wearing a grey bomber jacket and dark jeans.

Detective Constable Jamie Howarth said: "We are still working to trace and recover the vehicle and I would ask anyone who encounters a black BMW 1 Series with this registration to contact police.

"This was a despicable robbery, which took advantage of the fact that the couple were attempting to sell their vehicle online.

"The owners were engaging with the suspects in good faith who have then twisted this against them.

"They were taken entirely unaware and no amount of vigilance on the part of the sellers could have prevented this callous robbery.

"We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no suggestion that a series of crimes of the same nature has occurred. It is important that the public have confidence when engaging in private sales which is why we must trace the men responsible.

"We are seeking the assistance of the public to help reunite the owners with their stolen car and to ensure these men are held to account. You may have witnessed this car leaving Glasgow Road yesterday or encountered the vehicle since then. Please contact us with any information that you have.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Paisley CID via 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in complete confidence.''