Burnley burglar who targeted elderly across Lancashire jailed
Christopher McKillop preyed upon elderly people who lived alone
A Burnley burglar who preyed upon elderly people across Lancashire to fund his drug addiction has been jailed for six years.
Christopher McKillop burgled homes in Burnley, Blackburn, Rishton, Great Harwood, Blackpool and Lytham in September and October last year.
In the majority of cases, the 42-year-old would call at houses and claim that his van had broken down so he could ask to charge his mobile phone to call for recovery.
Whe he got inside, he would distract his victims by asking for a drink or to use the toilet so he could steal money and bank cards.
The stolen cards were used at local stores and on hotel rooms.
When he found out he was wanted, McKillop made plans to go to Scotland to stay with associates.
He only got as far as Cumbria though, because officers arrested him while he was staying at a B&B in Carlisle.
He pleaded guilty to nine distraction burglaries and several fraud offences.
Detective Constable Andy Lever from Lancashire Police said:
"These were despicable offences committed against elderly victims who lived alone.
"McKillop used a well-rehearsed story to trick his way into the homes of his victims before stealing their money and bank cards.
"He travelled around Lancashire committing the offences to fund his drug addiction, and at the time of doing so, he was on prison licence for previous similar offences.
"As the judge referred in his sentencing remarks, McKillop took advantage of his victims’ good nature when they believed they were helping a person in need.
"McKillop abused that good nature by stealing from them when their backs were turned.
"He deserves every day of his sentence."