'I thought he was going to kill me'

Dee Tinsley, 46, of Eldene, was punched in the face and neck by a burglar who broke into her home.

She had just got out of the bath, and was rinsing her hair in the bathroom sink when she felt someone push a sharp implement against her back.

Mrs Tinsley tried to turn around, but the intruder shouted: "Don't look at me or you'll get it."

He punched her when she said she had no money before prising two gold rings from her fingers.

He also stole a bracelet given to her by her children, which had great sentimental value.

The man also stole jewellery belonging to Mrs Tinsley's 16-year-old daughter Zoe.

Mrs Tinsley was knocked unconscious by the attack in May.

She said: "I don't think I will ever get over it. Sometimes I feel like he is still in my house. Luckily I have the support of my family."

Mrs Tinsley was alarmed by the increase in violent crime in Swindon.

She said: "I didn't realise it was that bad. The problem is that the courts are too lenient.

"The police have been fantastic in helping me, but I know that even if they catch the offender he will only get two months."

Police are still hunting Mrs Tinsley's attacker.

Officers are also still searching for a man who burst into the home of a 23-year-old mother-of-two from Nythe and held her at knifepoint.

He held a kitchen knife to her throat and demanded cash in May.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, said: "I thought he was going to kill me, so I really know what it is like to be a victim of violent crime, and I'm concerned at the increase.

"I was so shaken up that I have only just started going out to work. I'm more wary of people now.

"The police were really great when it happened."

Her partner, who also asked to remain anonymous, added: "My girlfriend does not feel safe in her own home.

"Since the attack I have paid more attention to violent crime.

"There does seem to be a lot in Swindon, which is worrying."

Number of attacks since May this year

May 25 A 23-year-old mother-of-two from Nythe was held at knifepoint by an intruder.

May 30 A burglar scaled an 8ft garden fence to break into the Eldene home of Dee Tinsley, 46. The intruder punched Mrs Tinsley before stealing jewellery and her credit card.

July 3 A man was left fighting for his life after an alleged attack. The man, who is in his mid-20s, was allegedly kicked, punched and left unconscious in the Parade. Police have charged 19-year-old Michael Knight, of no fixed abode, with causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the alleged attack.

July 3 Two men sexually assaulted a pregnant woman at her home in Elmina Road. She was left gagged and naked. Her eight-month-old daughter was upstairs.