A GRANDMOTHER who was ill in hospital when her house was burgled has says she no longer feels safe in her home.

Debra Graham was taken to hospital on Tuesday January 7 with a serious infection, and her family were with her at the Royal Bolton Hospital when thieves smashed a ground floor bedroom window at her home in Bank Grove, Little Hulton.

They stole cash, electrical goods and her cherished porcelain doll collection.

The 50-year-old, who suffers with numerous conditions including diabetes and arthritis, was not informed about the burglary for several days, as her family were concerned about the effect the news would have on her health.

The burglars stole a laptop, a tablet, jewellery and about £1,500 in cash .

They also stole several of her porcelain dolls, which she has collected for more than 20 years.

Ms Graham said: “I have a passion for the dolls. The funny thing is that the ones they stole are only worth a few pounds.

“But the dolls do mean a lot to me.

“I won’t even let my grandchildren touch them.

“When the family explained what had happened, I was really annoyed and it does make you feel unsafe in your home.”

Her mother, 73-year-old Barbara Graham returned from the hospital just after midnight on Wednesday, January 8, to find a scene of devastation.

She said: “It was the last thing we needed after Debra had been taken into hospital.

“I couldn’t stop shaking for days after it happened and we get nervous every time someone comes to the door. What kind of person would do this?

“They will have seen my daughter’s wheelchair in the house but that didn’t stop them — they didn’t care.”

The family believe the thugs used a spade to smash the bedroom window.

They also rifled through laundry and helped themselves to chocolates from a Christmas selection box.

Police have issued an appeal for information about the burglary, which took place between 8pm on Tuesday, January 7, and 12.30am on Wednesday, January 8.

PC Jon Shaw said: “This family were already devastated that one of their family members had been rushed into hospital, only to return home to find that their house had been ransacked by burglars.

“If you have any information about the burglary please contact the police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5250, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.