A FRAIL pensioner has been left living in fear after burglars targeted her home three times in just four months.

Hilda Leigh, 80, of St Mary's Avenue, Wanstead, first contacted the Guardian back in May after her house was raided by thieves who scared off her beloved cat Penny.

But the grandmother-of-three, who lives with her disabled 60-year-old daughter Susan, has been burgled three times since then, leaving them both scared for their safety.

In the latest attack a gang of three masked men burst into the house when Susan opened the front door - beating her with a chair and pinning Hilda to the floor while they ransacked the building.

Hilda said she had nothing left of any value for the men to steal during the raid - on Wednesday, September 16 - which came just a week after another family in the same street had six luxury vehicles taken from their driveway while they slept.

The police are so concerned for the family's safety that they have installed a secret camera to help catch any intruders who break into the house, and an intercom system for them to communicate with callers without having to answer the door.

She said: "We were both so upset by what happened. It shakes me up just thinking about it now to be honest.

"They went through our things but couldn't find anything left to steal because it had all already been taken.

"The time before that they smashed our kitchen door. I'm steal finding bits of it now."

Hilda, who has since been reunited with Penny, said she had never been burgled before this year - despite living in the street since 1987.

She said: "The police told me the problem is getting worse in Wanstead. It certainly feels like it is."

A police spokeswoman said: "PCSO Kitson of Wanstead Safer Neighbourhood Team has been working alongside vulnerable victims of burglary and helped to re-assure and secure their home.

"PCSO Kitson visited an 80-year-old female and her 60-year-old disabled daughter who were unfortunate repeat victims of burglary.

"With the help of the Redbridge crime prevention officer a covert camera and intercom system was fitted at the address in St Mary's Avenue, Wanstead.

"PCSO Kitson also identified that the rear access side gate was potentially a week link in the property's security and worked in partnership with other agencies to move and re-new the side gate."