Ref. 30804-03PENSIONER Derek Cox's first-floor flat was burgled as he slept the fourth break-in in as many weeks at the sheltered accommodation where he lives.

Now he and other residents of Arthur Bennett Court are calling on Swindon Council to tighten security.

They want holes in fences repaired and closed-circuit television cameras installed.

The residents have been demanding action for the past three years and now they say they feel unsafe in their own homes.

Mr Cox, 79, discovered the break-in during the early hours of Monday morning.

He said: "I was scared simply because I am on the first floor and someone must have climbed up to get in.

"I woke up about 2.55am and went to the bathroom.

"Everything seemed all right but I woke up again about 5am and the room was really bright because the window was wide open.

"I thought to myself someone has been in here. They took my wallet, change off the table and my car keys.

"Later on the morning I found them scattered on the other side of the building although my credit card and Switch card had gone.

"I always shut my window but I don't always lock them. They must have pulled them open.

"There are holes in the fence and something should have done about it a lot sooner."

Another female resident also had her flat broken into on Mon-day morning.

Thieves took her handbag containing a mobile phone and a quantity of cash.

Three weeks ago an elderly man had £200 in cash taken as well as his credit cards. Thieves used the cards to steal a further £300.

Another man had his flat broken into and had about £90 cash stolen.

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "I can confirm the burglaries took place and we are appealing for anyone with information to contact us."

Sarah Deacon, spokeswoman for Swindon Council, said: "We are taking the burglaries at Arthur Bennett Court very seriously.

"We have arranged for a crime prevention officer to come out and visit the site to make recommendations to improve security.

"Burglaries do go up in warm weather.

"We would like to remind residents to shut their windows when they aren't in or have gone to bed."

Bhavani Vadde