War vet distraught over break-in

An 87-year-old World War II veteran is distraught after coming home to find his Featherston house broken into and his television gone.

Patricia Parker, the man's sister and a Featherston resident of 23 years, said her brother was so distraught about the burglary, which happened last Thursday night, he didn't want to get out of bed.

"At 4 o'clock he went down to the RSA to meet a couple of mates for a drink, when he came back about 8 someone had forced the bathroom window open and stolen his TV," she said.

A "bad element" had been in the town before and now it was back, she said. The actions of some young people made many people feel unsafe and trapped.

"We are feeling like prisoners in our own homes now. Something is going on and it's getting worse," she said.

Featherston resident Richard Clark, whose home was burgled this year, said he didn't feel safe in his home. In March, Mr Clark, who has motor neuron disease, was out when thieves broke into his house and stole his computer and software.

"I don't feel safe here anymore. I am alone during the day, I am confined to a wheelchair, I am attached to a breathing device 24/7. I can't defend myself."

Mr Clark said he knew at least six other people whose homes had been broken into recently.

Mrs Parker said the problem was caused by kids wagging school and wandering the streets. They were also not deterred by the consequences of burglaries.

Mrs Parker said she had caught a young boy stealing from a neighbour's house.

"He went to court and just got a slap over the wrist."