A retired nurse is wondering what she can do to stop vandals smashing her windows, writes Warwick Payne.

Mary Galbraith (78) moved from Gloucester to a sheltered flat in Chesil Street, Winchester, in May last year.

Her property overlooks The Weirs, beside the River Itchen, and she installed two double-glazed doors in her lounge to enjoy the view.

Since then, however, vandals have smashed the outer panes three times in nine months, most recently on Tuesday.

Mary, who lives alone, believes that youths are causing the damage. She says their method is to stand on the opposite riverbank and shoot stones across with catapults.

The replacement panes cost £266 each. Mary does not have to pay, owing to a 10-year guarantee, but the new glass takes three weeks to arrive.

Vandals often come to The Weirs, says Mary. "The lads come along and they pelt the ducks and swans with stones."

She adds that she has seen other smashed windows on her side of the river. "The lady next door, has become so nervous that she won't sit at her window any more. She's only got single-glazing and she's worried that a stone will come in and hit her."

Her other neighbour has lived at Chesil Street for over 15 years. Says Mary: "When I came here, she told me it was very safe, but now I'm not so sure."

Mary is determined to stay at her home despite the vandalism. "It does make you think, but where can you go that's any safer?"

She is considering buying security shutters to protect her property. Meanwhile, police are searching for the culprits who broke the glass doors on Tuesday morning.

WPC Marie Duffy, the officer on the case, said: "This type of crime and antisocial behaviour can be extremely distressing for anyone, but can take a particular toll on the elderly."

* Anyone with information is urged to call WPC Duffy on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.