Police Charity Fund Steps In To Help Wem Pensioner

Police have stepped in to replace £60 savings stolen by burglars from the home of an 88-year-old Wem woman.

The pensioner, who lives alone and does not wish to be named, was confronted by two men as she woke up from having a nap in her living room chair.

The men, who had broken in by forcing a kitchen window, fled with £60 from her purse which was being saved to buy a new television aerial.

Local Policing Officer, PC Dave Carpenter, one of the investigating officers, applied to the West Mercia Police charity community fund for a donation to replace the cash.

The fund's trustees had no hesitation in deciding to cover the full amount.

Community Support Officer for Wem, Pete Elson, said: "She was extremely upset and we thought a donation from PC Fund would help cheer her up.

"She was absolutely delighted when I presented the cheque and I'm pleased to say she is now recovering well from the shock of what happened."

The police fund is made up of voluntary contributions from officers and staff, donations and the sale of seized property.  Donations are given to worthy causes where it is felt the money will make a real difference.

Issued: Tuesday, 22 November 2011