THIS week two elderly women had their life savings stolen from under their beds by thieves.

There are simple rules older people must follow to prevent themselves becoming victims. Mark Donaghy reports

IT WAS heartbreaking to read. In the early hours of last Tuesday, a burglar broke into the home of an 82-year-old woman in Deane and stole her £6,000 life-savings, which she kept in a box by her bed.

And just hours later in the same area of Bolton, a 78-year-old had her £1,400 savings, which she kept hidden under her bed in £20 notes, stolen from her home.

Two men claiming to work for an electricity company knocked on her door at 3pm. While one of them took her into the kitchen, the other searched the house.

In both cases the police said that the women were devastated.

A flick through the Bolton Evening News archives reveals dozens of similar stories.

One lunchtime last May, two bogus officials, claiming to work for a water company, barged into a house owned by an elderly couple in Bromley Cross.

The criminals searched the house and stole a substantial amount of money from a bedroom wardrobe, money that Frank and Edna Bible had been saving to buy a new car.

Tragically, 74-year-old Mr Bible died of a heart attack when he realised the money had gone. The people responsible have never been caught.

But with dozens of stories in the Press about elderly people having large amounts of money stolen from their homes, why do some of them continue to store their savings in their houses?

What should they do to stop themselves being left devastated after the theft of thousands of pounds?

Gareth Evans, chief officer at Age Concern, based in Ashburner Street, Bolton, says many elderly people need to change the habit of a lifetime.

"They need to overcome this almost reluctance to see their money leave their property and ownership. It is a very generation thing, unfortunately."

He adds: "I remember my grandmother used to keep lots of £5 notes in a shoe box in her house.

"It was very nice when we went around to visit and she treated us, but not the best thing to do."

Mr Evans says the best advice he can give to elderly people is to put their money in a bank or building society.

He adds: "There are two issues here. Security is the first. Put your money somewhere where it is off the premises.

"Also, deposit the money where it can earn interest.

"People should look at approaching a bank or building society and getting the best advice. They are usually very good at doing this."

But what about elderly people who are housebound, or rarely venture outside, and do not have any friends or family? How can they get their money into a bank account?

Mr Evans says this is a problem area.

"I do understand the difficulty of people who are housebound. I think if you can, you must try and get out and about. If this is not possible, the best way is to pick up the phone and speak to a bank."

He adds: "Age Concern does not offer a service which handles people's money and I do not think it would be wise for, say, the Government to introduce a scheme for elderly people. I don't think it would be practical.

Police in Bolton continue to be appalled at the actions of criminals who steal from the elderly.

Sgt Bill Crittenden, from Bolton central police station, says: "We are shocked and saddened that elderly people are still being targeted.

"Criminals target them because old people are trusting and from a different era."

He adds: "The concern with these crimes is that those responsible must have been doing research for a burglary. You don't just pick a random house and come across £6,000. Not every elderly person has that much money in their house.

"Neighbours need to be vigilant. What we need is a nosey neighbour who will take down descriptions of men acting suspiciously or a car registration number.

"If they look suspicious, people should be challenging them or calling the police. Don't challenge them aggressively, but say to them 'excuse me, can I help?'.

"We need people who care about their elderly neighbours and will keep an eye on them."

Mr Evans also offers advice about keeping bogus officials at bay.

He says: "No respectable company will be cold calling. If in doubt, say no."

Anyone who wants advice can speak to Age Concern in Bolton by calling into the office on Ashburner Street or telephoning 01204 382411.