AFTER being left terrified when robbers broke into her home and ripped her panic alarm from her neck, Phyllis Buckles is today finally able to see the good in humanity again.

AFTER being left terrified when robbers broke into her home and ripped her panic alarm from her neck, Phyllis Buckles is today finally able to see the good in humanity again.

Because although the experience was horrifying for the 80-year-old widow she has been overwhelmed with the kindness of friends and strangers while she recovered from the shock.

Mid Suffolk District Council fitted more locks on her Needham Market home, neighbours gave her a giant bouquet of flowers and after being contacted by The Evening Star her opticians, Outside Clinic, gave her a free pair of glasses to replace the ones which went missing in the robbery.

Mrs Buckles said: “I'm gradually getting better and I'm not quite as nervous as I was right after it happened.

“It was very nice of the opticians to give me new glasses, really very kind.

“I also had someone come round to put a lock on the front door and the back windows. That makes me feel much safer though I still hear noises and I'm still affected.

“Everyone has been really nice. I've had flowers and cards. People have been very, very good.

“I want to keep living here so it is nice to have people go out of their way to make sure I feel secure here.”

Suffolk police officers are still actively investigating the crime which saw two robbers break into Mrs Buckles' home and stealing £1,000 in cash.

During the attack at about 8pm on Sunday, January 6, the robbers covered Mrs Buckles' mouth and nose from behind while grabbing her wrist, warning her not to scream and ripping her security alarm from around her neck.

Following the cowardly crime an officer from Mid Suffolk District Council went to Mrs Buckles' home off Barking Road in Needham Market to help make it more secure.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Cases are referred to us by Suffolk police.

“We will go round to people's houses to make sure the house is safe and secure.

“We can put locks on the doors and windows, maybe put in a spyhole so people know who is at the door as well as long-life smoke detectors. All of this is for free.”

Has the kindness of friends or strangers improved your life? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.