A DEAF 80-year-old woman who was the victim of bogus callers has spoken of her ordeal and how she has come through it.

Iris Bailey, who was featured on Crimewatch two weeks ago, has spoken to the News Shopper about how she felt being targeted on three separate occasions within 10 days last October.

The former Woolworths shop steward said: “At the time I kept saying why are they doing this? I’m not easily frightened.

“I think it was the shock, I was just shaking and crying and crying.”

On the first two occasions, intruders conned their way into her flat by claiming they were there to fix the water pressure.

Iris from Anerley said: “Naturally you would let them in.”

On the third occasion, a man knocked on her door claiming to be a police officer. He forced his way into the flat and grabbed her handbag from around her neck.

She said: “I knew he was a crook. I said ‘go away, you’re not having it’ but he yanked it over my head. “It was awful. I was really frightened then.”

“But I’m not frightened now. The police have given me my confidence back.”

In total she had more tha £300 in cash stolen as well as her bank card, purse and a number of documents.

Since then, officers have made sure she gets a chain for her front door, and one officer took her home with them on Christmas Day.

Iris said: “I had a lovely dinner and even had a little present under the tree.

“The police really have been sweet to me.”

Miraculously, the handbag stolen by the bogus policeman was recovered intact in Dulwich.

When it was returned to Iris, she said: “I was absolutely staggered. And £120.64 was still in there, I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought I had won the lottery.”

She added: “Get a chain for you door and do not take it off.

“Even if you are expecting a tradesman you must ask for ID.”

If you have been a victim of crime visit victimsupport.org.uk