23/08/2002

Robbers target pensioner for third time in three years

A 94-year-old woman in Co Fermanagh has been targeted by robbers at her home for the third time in three years.

The elderly woman answered the door to two youths at her Derrylin home at around 3.35pm on Wednesday.

The two youths engaged her in conversation before burgling her house and snatching money from a bag attached to her walking frame.

Chief Inspector John Maxwell said: "It really is a horrible thing to happen to somebody in the middle of the afternoon. She is greatly upset by the whole experience."

UUP assembly member for the area Sam Foster called on stiffer penalties for those carrying out such attacks.

"The fact that this woman has been robbed three times in as many years shows the malice in the mind of the perpetrators. For a 94-year-old, this experience must be a massive shock and no doubt it will take her some time getting over it.

"These criminals must be deterred and there should be a strengthening of the law so that when they are caught they are justly punished for the acts committed.

He added: "The entire community has a part to play in helping to stop these incidents as well by looking out for those vulnerable in our society."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact police in Kinawley on 028 6634 8212.

(GMcG)

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