A PENSIONER was a victim of theft after her sheltered housing complex was left without a warden and an insecure door.

The Clydebank Post reports that Delia McKernan says she no longer feels safe after her purse disappeared from her flat within the council-run sheltered housing complex on Young Street, Clydebank, on the morning of September 12.

Delia, 64, and husband Michael,68, are adamant the theft took place because the complex front door was not secured and the warden was not available at that time.

A man is believed to have entered the flat Delia shares with husband Michael when they were both there and now Delia, who does not keep well, says she feels anxious.

They believed a family member, who was due to visit, had entered the house when they heard the door open.

Moments later the couple realised Delia’s purse — containing all of her pension money — was missing.

Following the incident, Michael and Delia have joined other residents in calling for an improved service from West Dunbartonshire to ensure the wardens, who they describe as excellent, are on site all the time, and further security measures are installed.

“We want a stronger door and more CCTV,” Michael said.

“A camera on each landing would be ideal. I know the council will say it depends on money but surely security should be right in a sheltered housing complex.”

Delia said: “I won’t feel safe at all until everything is fixed.

“If it was 10 minutes later Michael would have been at the shops and I would have been here by myself.”

Another resident in the Young Street complex, and a lady living in Bremner Cottages, Duntocher, allegedly had money stolen. An attempt was apparently made to gain entry to a second flat there.

All incidents took place on September 12 between 10am and 11.30am. Another occurred on Wednesday, September 16 when a large sum of cash was allegedly stolen from within the sheltered housing complex on Dalgleish Avenue.

A 54-year-old man was arrested in connection with all five offences and appeared at court on Monday charged with theft and intended theft. He made no plea or declaration.

A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said the authority disputes there is a problem with the main door and said two carers were attending to residents when the incident took place.

He said: “This has been a very upsetting incident for the two residents who were targeted and our staff are continuing to provide every support possible.

“The thief was given access to the premises via the secure door entry system after tricking a resident.

“Tenants are regularly made aware of the protocol for admitting strangers to the complex. Since this incident, sheltered housing supervisors and the police’s crime prevention team have spoken to every tenant to remind them that they must not allow strangers into their home.”

He added: “We are constantly looking at ways to improve security at our facilities and following the recent meetings with tenants will be assessing what further measures can be put in place. We would also appeal to the public to report anyone they see acting suspiciously on our streets, because bogus callers operate throughout Scotland.”