A PENSIONER who found an intruder in her bedroom has vowed never to be left terrified again - and so has borrowed a guard dog to protect her.

Margaret Holmes, 75, saw a burglar standing at the door of her bedroom when she woke at 6.30am on Wednesday.

The man, who is believed to have burgled two nearby homes and a garden shed that night, fled immediately.

Now Mrs Holmes has borrowed an alsatian dog called Sam from a friend to make sure the burglar has a rude awakening should he return.

The man got into the pensioners' complex bungalow on Tir y Pwll Flats, Newbridge, by removing a rear kitchen window.

He stole a purse containing £15 from a handbag.

Mrs Holmes has criticised Caerphilly council because it was supposed to have improved the security of bungalows on the complex following a similar burglary in February this year.

She also said the incident had set her back just as she was beginning to come to terms with the death of her husband of 53 years, Robert, who passed away in November 2003.

"It was like a nightmare," said Mrs Holmes.

"I pressed the panic button. I then dialled 999 and the police were there straight away.

"I just don't feel safe anymore - I have borrowed an alsatian dog from a friend to make sure it doesn't happen again."

A spokesman for Caerphilly council said: "We're liaising with police to l continued on page 5find out exactly how the person broke in and we will be sending a representative to the home of Mrs Holmes."

Police officers sent to the home saw a man wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and top running away.

PC Andy Harris, crime and disorder reduction officer for Risca police, said: "My main concern is that, although these burglars may not necessarily be violent, if you were to stand in the route between them and the way out, there is the possibility they are going to push you out of the way.

"If you are a pensioner the fall could result in broken bones or even worse."

Anyone with information should contact Risca police on 01633 612391 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."