DRUGS YOBS TARGET ELDERLY

Yobs high on drugs are preying on pensioners on a Shropshire housing estate
and are becoming more violent towards their victims to fuel their habit, it
was claimed today.

Drug addicts have struck at an estate for the elderly in Ludlow three times
in the last 18 months leaving behind a terrified community.

In the latest attack, Bert Evans, 82, was blindfolded by a thief who stole
his Christmas savings of more than UKP600.

An 84-year-old grandmother was bundled into her home by two men who forced
their way through her door.

They claimed to be from the water board before raiding the house and
fleeing with jewellery and a small amount of money.

That robbery happened last summer.

And a 64-year-old man was targeted by distraction burglars over the summer.

Both were so badly shaken they refused to be named.

Now people in Churchill Close, Ludlow, want protection from the attacks
they believe are fuelled by drugs.

Jenny Proctor, of Churchill Close, said: "These are cowardly attacks on old
people. They are preying on the elderly."

The 84-year-old victim said: "I've been through it and I can't believe what
they did to me."

Sergeant Tony Mantle, of Ludlow police, said he was concerned about the
increasing violence.

"In the previous two offences it was distraction burglars but with Mr Evans
it wasn't."