AN ELDERLY couple today told of their fears for their safety when bogus callers targeted their home.One of them, who is 85-years-old, said this morning: "I didn't get a wink of sleep at all last night.

AN ELDERLY couple today told of their fears for their safety when bogus callers targeted their home.

One of them, who is 85-years-old, said this morning: "I didn't get a wink of sleep at all last night. Nobody knows what it is like until it happens to them.

"It makes you frightened in your own home. I just don't want to live here any more. In fact I hate this house now and want to move … and I have been here years."

A man called at the couple's home in Seymour Road just after 2.10 pm yesterday claiming he wanted to check the water valve and asked one of the pensioners to turn the water on and off.

Meanwhile another man slipped in through the front door and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

"I had just got in from shopping. I was only in the house for five minutes and the doorbell went," said the woman, who has lived in the house for nearly 50 years.

"I thought it was the electricity man. I opened the door and he was standing there and put his foot in the door and just barged in. I didn't stand an earthly chance. He was in here."

She knew something was amiss when the man put on rubber gloves while she was checking the water.

"I said there is something funny about this and he said no there is not."

By that time the other man had slipped in through the front door and was rummaging around upstairs.

"I know I have lost money, but that is nothing compared to what's happened to your life," said the pensioner.

The first man is described as white, with a distinctive blood shot eye, aged 25 to 30 years and was wearing casual clothes.

The second man was also white, smaller than the first man and was wearing a suit.

Twenty minutes later bogus callers targeted another home in Montgomery Road claiming they wanted to check the water pressure.

It is thought that one of the men spoke with a northern accent. Nothing was taken.

Today Montgomery Road residents told of their concerns that bogus callers have been targeting their area.

Berneta Betts, 49, said it comes as no surprise.

"We have had trouble in this area. It used to be so lovely here."

Alex Suttenwood, 45, said police and courts don't crack down hard enough on criminals.

"The law is far too lenient on them. It is far too lenient all round. When someone goes into court they go on about the rights of the perpetrator and don't think about the rights of the victim. I know what it is like to be burgled. It is like being physically attacked."

Doreen Arthur, 69, said that this latest news is a sign of the times.

"Years ago you could go out and leave doors open. You can't do that now.

"I only wish you could turn the clock back and have the old days back again."

Beryl Heskett, 54, agreed, saying: "It is just so worrying. I have a glass door so I can see who is calling."

Police are also asking businesses to take security precautions after walk in burglaries at shop and office premises at Lowestoft and Southwold.

In each case a burglar entered via an unlocked door and stole a female employee's purse or handbag.

The latest incidents bring the total of bogus callers reported to 52 in Ipswich since the beginning of the year with 186 across the whole of Suffolk.

If you can help police with their inquiries into the latest incidents then contact them on 01473 613500.