Police praise for plucky Wem pensioner after burglary

An 84-year-old Shropshire pensioner who grabbed a burglar and shoved him out of the door has been praised by police for her courage.

The woman, who has not been named, grabbed the man and pushed him out of her house after he broke in during the middle of the afternoon and claimed to be looking for a dog.

She then discovered the back door lock was broken and £80 was missing from her handbag.

Officers investigating the burglary, in the Wem area during June, were so impressed with her bravery, they decided to replace the stolen money from the West Mercia Police Community Fund.

Constable Lyn Downes, based at Wem police station, presented the lady with £100 and a basket of flowers on Thursday.

She said: "The victim lives alone in the Wem area.

"When she discovered a burglar in her bedroom in the middle of the afternoon, she asked him what he was doing in her house.

"He replied he was looking for his dog. She told him to get out of the house, grabbed him and bundled him outside before closing the door.

"As she walked back through the house to phone the police, she saw him and another man walking down her driveway.

"She gave the police call taker a calm and measured account of what happened with a description of the offender and on police arrival, was still calm and able to provide me with a comprehensive statement.

"The offender dropped a screwdriver at the scene and she had the good sense not to touch or move it. Also, she had not disturbed the scene at all, preserving good forensic opportunities."

Constable Downes added: "Because of the theft of £80 from her handbag and the door lock being forced, I applied for a donation from West Mercia's PC Fund.

"The trustees gave £100 to replace the cash and pay for a new lock, plus a further £25 for some flowers."

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of committing the burglary and are on bail while police inquiries continue.

West Mercia's Police Community Fund is a registered charity.

By Tom Johannsen