AN ELDERLY widow who has twice been burgled has praised quick-thinking neighbours who prevented her from becoming a victim for the third time.

Eighty-two-year-old Mrs Alexandra Yates of Dundee Lane, Ramsbottom, was approached by two youths. One knocked on the door while the other was seen by alert residents to run round the back. Neighbours had earlier seen them getting out of a car with two other men who drove off.

Noticing the youths' suspicious behaviour, the neighbours raced over to see what was going on.

Mr Roger Davies was one of three concerned neighbours who intervened to help Mrs Yates. He grabbed hold of the youth who was talking to Mrs Yates until the police arrived. Another resident jumped in his car to try to find his accomplice.

Speaking about last Thursday's incident Mrs Yates said: "I really didn't know what was going on. My dog started barking at the back and seemed really upset but before I could see what the matter was, the front doorbell rang.

"I answered the door with the chain on, and immediately I saw my neighbour running out in his socks, telling me everything would be okay.

"It was only when I went back inside the house and noticed a drawer had been opened that I knew what had happened. The lad at the door was obviously trying to distract me."

Nothing was taken and Mrs Yates believes the other youth fled after hearing the commotion in the front.

"I was just very angry and annoyed at what the boys tried to do," she said.

"But I feel very safe here because of my neighbours. They are just marvellous, they are always looking out for me."

A modest Mr Davies said that his actions were nothing special.

"I just kept hold of the young lad until the police arrived," he said. "Anyone would have done what we did. You have to look out for each other, particularly someone elderly."

Police have arrested one person in connection with the incident and have praised the actions of residents living in Dundee Lane. A police spokesman said: "Mrs Yates' neighbours showed real community spirit in what they did.

"She is a very lucky lady to have neighbours who look out for her."

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