A WIFE warned today that burglars targeting old folk's homes near Bolton could kill her ailing husband.

Marian Roberts said disabled husband Harry had suffered several minor strokes amid a spate of break-ins and vandalism at the small housing estate in Westhoughton.

And today she told the BEN she feared that more attacks could be the death of him.

"My husband's health is poor and all this hasn't helped," said Mrs Roberts. "There is only so much you can take and unless this stops I'm really worried what might happen."

Problems escalated last week when burglars ransacked the Roberts' bungalow in Higher Southfield, off Southfield Drive, stealing electrical goods while the couple were out.

Neighbours on the estate - including a deaf elderly woman - have also been recent victims of burglaries, vandalism and attempted break-ins.

Now Mrs Roberts says living in fear of more crime could push 62-year-old Harry, who had both legs amputated because of diabetes problems, over the edge.

"He worked hard all his life and what thanks does he get," she said.

Mrs Roberts and her son Malcolm are now calling for broken fencing near their properties to be repaired to discourage burglars and young vandals.

"It's been broken for 13 months and it's like an open invitation," said Malcolm, aged 27. "The lack of security for people here who are elderly and vulnerable is ridiculous."

But Bolton Council, which owns most of the homes in Higher Southfield, says its hands are largely tied because the fence is privately-owned and some people have bought their own properties.

A spokesman said: "We have been up to look at the properties and unfortunately the fencing that Mrs Roberts wants repairing does not belong to us."

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