Revealed: Face of jailed Sedgley burglar who targeted elderly woman and stole £15,000 worth of jewellery
The face of the man who was jailed for four years for stealing £15,000 worth of jewellery from an elderly woman suffering from dementia in Sedgley has been revealed.
Opportunist David Allen told his victim he was a window cleaner to gain her trust, before entering her Sedgley home and stealing the valuable property after she went to make a cup of tea.
Allen, aged, 40, from Tipton Road, Sedgley, pleaded guilty to a charge of distraction burglary when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, October 17.
West Midlands Police officers identified Allen after CCTV caught him in the act. They quickly arrested and charged him for the offence before putting him up before the courts.
PC Luke Johnson, from Dudley Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “Allen took advantage of an elderly woman in her home by tricking her. He was an opportunist with no regard for or thought for his vulnerable victim.
“This sentence sends out a clear message that if you behave in this way you will be caught and will face years behind bars. We would urge people to be vigilant and be aware of distraction burglars. Please follow our crime prevention advice.”
Judge Deni Mathews KC sentenced Allen to four years' imprisonment.
He said: "You target the elderly because they are a soft option for you. You realised your victim suffered from dementia and convinced her to let you clean her windows to earn some money.
"When in her home you moved about freely and went into her bedroom and stole £15,000 worth of jewellery. These included sentimental items including rings from her late husband. There are few things more special to people than presents bought by late loved ones.
"What rubbed salt in the family's wounds was pawning it for just £250."
He added: "You have no previous convictions in this country but do in the Republic of Ireland and have several convictions. These include the robbery of an 89-year-old woman who you pushed to the floor. You committed this crime whilst being on bail for the robbery of a 73-year-old taxi driver.
"It is clear to me when you decide you want to steal money you target the elderly. This means only an immediate custodial sentence can be passed. I have given you credit for pleading guilty and am sentencing you to 48 months."
