A DEFIANT pensioner, burgled for the fifth time in eight years, said today: "I'll just have to get over it."

The 75-year-old woman, who lives in the Roe Lee area of Blackburn, vowed not to let the latest break in, on Tuesday afternoon, get her down.

She had opened her back door because of the good weather and was in the house while the burglar crept in and stole her handbag.

It had her pension in it and cash cards and rail cards, worth £100 in total.

The first burglary happened around eight years ago when a bike was stolen, then a couple of years later hundreds of pounds worth of items -- including a family heirloom brooch -- were taken.

Two years ago, her handbag was taken in another sneak theft and shortly after her son's motorcycle leathers were stolen.

Police sent an officer to the woman's house yesterday to advise her on security measures, other than her existing burglar alarm.

These included a stronger front gate and putting a prickly bushes at the back of her house.

The woman, whose identity is being kept secret for fear of further burglaries, said: "I don't like all these security measures.

"You feel awful when you have to lock up your doors when you come in.

"It was a hot day and I thought I would let some air in. They always get you when you are down.

"I had borrowed some money from my daughter, and now I have had to borrow some more.

"I thought 'why do they always pick on me?'. No one else has much trouble, but I'll just have to get over it.

"It is annoying more than distressing. I have had a lot of trouble replacing the cards."

Detective Sergeant Gary Dunningham said he did not think the woman was being targeted by the same people and added: "It could be bad luck."

Anyone with information about the burglaries should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.