A 96-year-old disabled woman may be forced out of her home after being burgled three times in a year.

The plucky pensioner, who is virtually blind and deaf, confronted the raider on the last occasion - but her relatives now fear for her safety.

The woman lives in Clacton and despite the burglaries is determined to stay in her home.

Police are working with her to improve security and are anxious to catch the burglars.

PC Calvin Heal, crime prevention officer at Clacton, said today: "For anyone to target a woman of this age who is almost completely blind and deaf is totally despicable.

"She is a gritty person who is angry about what has happened - but also very distressed.

"At 96 years of age and in her situation she deserves better than this and we are determined to catch those who have preyed on her."

On the first occasion the pensioner was broken into £400 was taken. A youth was dealt with for the offence.

Then in February, a raider got away with £600 in cash which was taken out of the wardrobe while she slept. The woman's care assistant discovered the theft the next morning.

On Friday the pensioner awoke while the intruder was making a search of her home at around 3.15am and she confronted him. He fled empty-handed.

He was described as 6ft tall, possibly middle-aged, of large build and wearing a blue anorak.

PC Heal said police and social services were doing what they could to help.

But he added: "Her son is keen for her to move out into sheltered accommodation for her own safety. But it is her family home where her husband died and where she has lived for some time. Obviously she wants to stay there.

"She is a lovely lady and she should not be forced out of her home by these thieves."

PC Heal appealed for anyone who has any information on the burglaries to come forward.

Police can be contacted on 01255 221312

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