JOHNSTOWN and Rhos residents along with surrounding communities have come together to raise money for an elderly couple following a burglary.

The home of two elderly residents was entered on Friday, December 15 in Johnstown and a substantial amount of money was taken.

The crime involved a gang knocking on the door claiming to be police officers and they gained unforced entry to the property.

Upon hearing the news the whole community and surrounding area were upset and felt the need to act to do something.

Many in the community asked how they could help and with the support of many local businesses, Premier Shop in Johnstown, the Post Office in Johnstown and Cllr Paul Pemberton’s garage in Rhos all kindly agreed to have secured buckets for people to make donations.

The family has also been supported by family and friends who have helped them overcome their ordeal.

Wrexham Council has also made sure the house is now secure by installing new security locks and security lighting.

In all £887.64 was raised by the community, to help the couple get back on their feet.

Councillor David A Bithell, local member for Johnstown, said: “The whole community has rallied around and with the help and with assistance from local businesses, many more people have collected a fantastic amount of money.”

He said people had given generously and the money raised will go a long way to help them replace their stolen money following what he described as “a despicable crime on the most vulnerable in the community”.

He added: “I would also thank the North Wales Police for their help and assistance.”

Cllr Bithell added that the Post Office has been helping the family set up an account which will reduce risks of keeping money at home, and he urged others not to keep large amounts of money at home.