A single mum today told how criminals have left her four-year-old son traumatised.

Bradford youngster James Hewitt has constant nightmares after he and his mum Suzanne have suffered a crimewave.

In two years, they have been burgled four times and had to be rescued by firefighters after vandals started a blaze at their former flat.

And in the latest Burglary, James's beloved pet rabbit was taken from their Allerton home.

"He even looks under the bed for burglars before he goes to sleep," said 21-year-old Miss Hewitt.

The family suffered their first burglary two years ago when they lived in Bendene Road, Allerton.

Eighteen months ago all James's Walt Disney video tapes and many of his toys were taken in another burglary.

Last July, James and his mother were rescued from a fire at the flat, started by vandals lighting rubbish. They were trapped on the verandah and firefighters came to the rescue, putting out the blaze and leading them to safety.

Soon afterwards, Miss Hewitt and her son moved to a house in Allerton - but on Bonfire Night last year they were victims again. Burglars made off with electrical equipment and cash.

And now thieves have broken into the garden shed and stole Fluffy, along with a Christmas tree and decorations.

Suzanne said: "James doesn't want to sleep at home. He cries himself to sleep.

"I can't believe this is happening to us.

"James is scared to go home and says 'what if the burglars are there?'.

"It is awful for such a young child to have to go through. The idiots who do this have no idea what they put people through."

Pat Foord, from Bradford Victim Support, said: "Crime affects young people in very different ways. But it seems to affect younger children more.

"They have a complete trust of people and a complete trust of adults. They find it difficult to understand that some adults can hurt them.

"We can offer help, but in a child so young it is parents who are the better skilled in reinstalling trust.

"For a young child like this to go through so much can have quite a traumatic effect.

"But I think children are very flexible and they can bounce back quickly. However, as they get older they may suffer flashbacks and nightmares."

Sergeant Roy Wensley, of Toller Lane police station, appealed for any information.

"I shall be getting in touch with our repeat victimisation officer to contact the family," he said.

Telegraph & Argus columnist Dr Tom Smith said there was a danger the burglaries and the arson attack could give James health problems.

"Burglary is one of the most serious crimes and victims can suffer a whole range of psychological and physical effects," he said.

"In a youngster it could lead to severe depression and panic attacks, they can have a constant feeling of intense distress, they can suffer from sleeplessness and incontinence."

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