Police in Northern Ireland today highlighted a growing number of attacks and robberies targeted at the elderly.
A senior officer made the comment as five pensioners recovered after being left badly shaken when three homes were broken into in the Belfast area overnight.
Two attacks were in the Malone area of the city and there was another on an estate in Greencastle.
Detective Inspector George Millar said there was concern over the effects of such attacks on the victims of the incidents.
He added: “In the last week we have seen so many incidents being highlighted day and daily.
“It has been horrifying to see elderly members of our community being subjected to such vicious attacks. There has been an increase.”