A FRIGHTENED pensioner is having nightmares after a sneak thief crept into her sheltered flat and stole jewellery worth £1,900.

Grandmother Elsie Reynolds, 82, was asleep in a chair when the thief got into the secure Gerald Court complex in Burnley and seized his opportunity when he found her flat door ajar.

When she awoke she switched on her TV, then she heard her door bang shut and discovered the theft.

Mrs Reynolds said: "I have had three nasty nightmares since it happened and I just keep thinking what if I had confronted him he could have hit me. "I have just bought a chain alarm for my door so if anyone comes in and it is on it will sound."

Residents of the flats have been without a warden for the past eight months since Mrs Adele Dickinson left.

Since then Mrs Reynolds said the flats have become a haven for children and young people breaking down doors, playing in the lifts, using the toilet and washing facilities and abusing the elderly residents if they are confronted.

Burnley Council had been reviewing the position, but said today it is advertising the post internally and externally and hopes to have a new warden in the post soon.

The thief stole Mrs Reynolds' platinum wedding ring from her first marriage in 1942 when gold was not available because of the war.

Also taken was a ring which her mother had given her and various chains, other jewellery and her pension book.

She said: "Many of the items had sentimental value and were irreplaceable.

"I can't bear the thought that someone has been in my flat looking round my things.

"I only hope they replace the warden soon and things can get back to normal."

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