A woman has been jailed for stealing and attempting to steal from people in Musselburgh.
Lisa Rybak, aged 39, was given a six month custodial sentence today after pleading guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday 2nd August to two charges of theft, one charge of attempted theft and to being in the grounds of a property with the intent to steal.
The incidents took place between 4.40pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday 1st August and the victims were men and women, aged between 32 and 87, residing in the West Holmes Gardens and Manse Lane areas.
East Lothian’s Community Action Team attended after receiving reports from members of the public and traced Rybak in the local area who was found to be in possession of a stolen handbag. This was identified as having been taken from a house in West Holmes Gardens and the owner was unaware of the theft until notified by officers.
Rybak was detained and shortly afterwards was discovered to be in possession of three rings and a watch taken from another house in West Holmes Gardens. Rybak had walked into the house claiming that she knew the resident and was asked to leave. After Rybak left, the occupant found that some of her jewellery was gone.
Rybak also walked into a home in Manse Lane claiming she was going to make the occupant a cup of tea and when, asked to leave, put her hand in the resident’s pocket while asking him for money. She has also attended a property in Manse Lane and asked to be let in, offering to make the occupant a cup of tea, but was refused entry and left.
Inspector Andrew Harborow of Musselburgh Police Station said: “This was a despicable violation and very distressing for the residents involved whose homes were entered without their permission or knowledge.
“I would urge anyone who may have been a victim of such criminality to get in touch with us as we are dedicated to bringing those who target the elderly and vulnerable to justice.
“Thanks to enquiries conducted in the local area by the Community Action Team, Rybak was swiftly detained and held in custody to appear before the courts.
“I’d urge the community to remain vigilant in ensuring that their properties are kept secure at all times and to always call 101 if you see any suspicious behaviour, dialling 999 if a crime is ongoing
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
