Terrified Leyland pensioner woken in bed by burglar touching her leg

Bolton Croft is an independent living scheme in Newton Close, Moss Side, Leyland

Police were called around 2.50am yesterday (Monday, May 4) after the sleeping pensioner was disturbed by the intruder at the Bolton Croft flat in Moss Side.

The flat is one of 40 which are part of an independent living scheme managed by Progress Housing Group.

Detectives said a woman in her 80s reported being in bed when she was woken by a man touching her leg.

The woman disturbed the man who then fled from the scene.

Police believe the man had been attempting to steal precious items from her jewellery box.

Officers are appealing for information and urging homeowners in the area to be vigilant.

Det Sgt Paul Price, of Lancashire Police, said: "An investigation is underway following a burglary in Leyland.

"The homeowner has been woken up by a man touching her leg. When she has confronted him he has made off from the scene.

"This is clearly a worrying and disturbing incident and we are appealing to anyone with information about what has happened to come forward.

"We would also remind homeowners to keep their properties secure and making sure to lock windows and doors."

Progress Housing Group (PHG) said the pensioner is being supported by staff as they urge their tenants to remain vigilant.

A spokesman for PHG said: "We are extremely sorry to hear of the incident that has occurred at one of our properties at Bolton Croft earlier this week and we are providing support to the tenant and her family.

"We are reminding all our tenants to be vigilant and to ensure that their properties are secure at all times.

"This is particularly important for those living in homes with outward facing doors that are not situated behind secure communal front entrances.

"Tenants at all our independent living schemes are regularly contacted by our team of scheme staff.

"During the current pandemic, we are carrying out additional welfare checks through our new Here to Help service which has been launched to support our tenants through this challenging time."

Anyone with information on the burglary can contact police on 101 quoting log 0123 of May 3.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org