Burglar broke into pensioner's flat as she slept

May 30 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A CALLOUS hoody broke into a vulnerable 89-year-old’s flat and stole her TV as she slept.

The burglar spent an hour and a half roaming the halls at Lincoln Court, Lower Robin Hood Lane, Helsby, before targeting the woman, who has dementia.

Police believe he knows the building as he broke through a security door then hid his face each time he passed CCTV cameras.

The victim’s daughter, Irene Williamson, 55, of Church Road, Frodsham, does not want her mother’s name published.

She said: “She is very confused about what really happened. She doesn’t have many pleasures apart from visitors and her television.

“They wouldn’t have tried it on somebody who wasn’t suffering from dementia. These people know they are preying on vulnerable people, they just don’t care.

“We are fortunate it wasn’t her engagement ring or something irreplaceable. It could force some people into a home or to an early death.”

The burglar broke into the managed flat complex for over-65s at 9.30pm on Thursday last week and lurked undetected until 11pm when he left with the TV under his arm.

He is described as a gaunt male, about 20 years of age, wearing light trousers and a dark hooded top.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Steve Holliwell said: “Can I ask the public to look at these photographs and if you can remember seeing this person please call the police.”

Frodsham Police Inspector Phil Hodgson added: “It requires a special kind of depravity to sink so low to steal from the elderly and vulnerable.”

If you have any information, contact DC Steve Holliwell on 01244 613259 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.