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Search forPensioner plagued by racist taunts
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 14:24
Teresa Nunn has had her car vandalised three times and has had racial taunts shouted at her.
Despite initially being too afraid to leave the house, making her feel like a prisoner in her own home, she is now speaking out in the hope witnesses will come forward.
In an exclusive interview with The West Briton, the 68-year-old said: "I have lived her for 30 years and never had something like this happen before.
"It has made me feel really vulnerable and scared to go out, but the help of the police and Victim Support has given me more confidence."
Twice her car has had its windscreen smashed and on another occasion paint stripper was poured over it. The damage is estimated to have run into several hundred pounds.
But it is the emotional cost, more than the financial one, that is of most concern. Teresa said: "It has affected my health.
"I had high blood pressure, angina, asthma and back trouble, but this has made it much worse. I used to have sleepless nights wondering what would happen."
She added: "My son had to take time off work, he is also living with me at the moment, and my daughter has had to visit more. I felt like I was in prison."
She urged anyone with information to come forward. "I would say to anyone who is scared to come forward – have faith in the police."
PC Andy Filkins, neighbourhood beat manager, said: "We don't deal with very many incidents of this nature in Falmouth. It is not a crime that is commonplace. We won't tolerate it.
"Anyone who commits such offences will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with through the proper channels."
He said the neighbourhood team and CID are working together on the issue and have brought in the anti-social behaviour team from Carrick Housing.
Neighbours have been visited to raise awareness of the problem and patrols have been stepped up, particularly at night.
PC Filkins added: "We have got measures in place to address the situation and are in daily contact with Teresa."
Teresa Nunn. PIcture by Colin Ross
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