A PENSIONER, targeted by a burglary gang preying on vulnerable people in the Abergavenny area, told the Argus how she tried to tackle the intruder.

Police believe a burglary gang is operating in the area, preying on vulnerable people. On Wednesday, two pensioners were burgled in separate incidents.

One victim, Betty James, (pictured) 77, of Llanfoist, tried to order a youth out of her home after he climbed through her bathroom window.

"He said he wanted a pencil and paper to take down the names of some people outside, so I went to get a pencil and paper," she told the Argus.

"But then I thought that was such a strange request."

He pushed her and she stumbled onto the arm of her sofa. He left, taking her purse and £10. The onetime RAF radar operator said: "I know I did my best, but in hindsight I think I could have done better.

"Not long after he scarpered my daughter Jill came round. If she'd been five minutes earlier we would have pinned him down. She would have got him with her umbrella." She added: "I called the police straight away and then they all turned up about five minutes later - with dogs as well.

"But I wished I'd gone after him because then I would have seen which direction he went."

But Detective Inspector Mi

As the Argus reported yesterday, the incident happened between 5.30-5.45pm on Wednesday.

The second incident was just over half-an-hour later at the home of a severely disabled 80-year-old woman in St Teilos Road, Abergavenny.

A man, aged around 27, walked into the woman's living room, claiming to be looking for a cat. He clamped a hand over her mouth when she screamed and then pushed her into a chair, telling her to be quiet.

He grabbed her pension book, but dropped it on his escape. Gwent Police believe the offences were committed by a group recently moved to the area or passing through.

DI Jones said: "We're linking them because of the nature of the offences and the pathetic excuses the men gave when confronted. We would like to warn people again - especially the elderly - not to open their doors to anyone and to keep windows and doors locked even if they're expecting visitors." Anyone with information can ring the police on 01873 838111.