“DESPICABLE” thieves have targeted residents and staff at a Barry care home – raiding the communal hall for computers and a television.

Police want help in tracing those responsible after four computers and a flat-screen television were stolen from the Gwenog Court sheltered home, Cwm Talwg.

Thieves forced entry to the building sometime between 7pm on New Year’s Day and 10am on Monday January 2.

Vale council cabinet member for housing and social care and health councillor Bronwen Brooks said: “Gwenog Court, a Vale of Glamorgan Council-managed sheltered housing facility for the elderly, was broken into.

“The police have been informed and are currently investigating the incident.

“This was a particularly despicable crime, committed at the home of some of the Vale of Glamorgan’s most vulnerable residents.

“The council has completed urgent repairs to secure the location.

“We will also investigate the possibility of implementing further security measures, including alarm and CCTV camera systems.

“Though unpleasant, incidents of this kind are extremely rare and we would like to reassure the public that we have never previously had to deal with an incident of this nature at any Council-run facility for the elderly.”

A relative of one of the residents, posting anonymously on social media, appealed for people to help officers with the investigation.

The post read: “The residents, most of which are OAP's, who understandably don't feel very safe in their own homes after this incident are now worried the thieves will return and break in to their homes whilst they sleep.

“They shouldn't have to deal with this at any time of year, especially New Year’s Day.

“They now have nothing but chairs left in their community hall.”

The post added: “Please inform the police straight away. You can do this anonymously if you wish. Any information no matter how small could lead to catching these **** and stop them targeting the next home, maybe even your home or someone’s close to you?”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area or who has any information about the incident should contact police via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting reference 1700001570.