Cash and phone stolen from gran (From Barry And District News)

Cash and phone stolen from gran

A WOMAN has criticised the level of security at Barry library after a wad of cash and a mobile phone were stolen from her handbag while she was using a computer at the facility.

Cheryl Webber was sitting at a computer at the library in Barry Leisure Centre on Saturday morning, tracing her family's history on a website - something she has enjoyed for a number of years.

Her blue handbag was placed on the floor, next to her feet, when someone reached into it and took 175 in cash and her mobile camera phone.

Police have confirmed that the incident happened between 10.10am and 12.24pm.

Cheryl, who has 17 grandchildren, said: "Someone must have crawled under the table.

"But they must have been there for a good few minutes as the money was contained in a pocket inside the bag.

"When I'm on the computer, I just turn off. I can be staring at the screen for up to two hours. It's so exciting - I've traced my family back to the 1600s.

"I feel there needs to be CCTV or someone watching what is going on. There's no security. I only hope there is when the new library opens in town."

She had picked up the cash that morning from the social services office for her foster child. The mobile phone contained pictures of her dead father's grave, and photographs of her grandchildren.

"The money can be replaced," she said, "but I'll never get the photos back.

"I was so upset. I burnt my handbag when I got home."

Mrs Webber, who is 53, said she is determined to keep using the library.