Jail for two men who posed as handymen to steal from 87-year-old in her own home in Nelson
Two men approached a property on Rutland Street offering house and garden work to an 87-year-old woman.
The homeowner, who is partially-sighted, declined the offer and walked back inside. The men followed her in.
The pair then took a purse from her handbag and stole £80.
Officers attended the scene and after conducting CCTV enquiries identified Christopher Welch and Paul Norwood.
Welch, 49, of St Philips Street, Nelson and Norwood, 31, of Napier Street, Nelson, were both arrested and charged with burglary.
The pair pleaded guilty to the offence and on March 8 were each jailed for two years at Burnley Crown Court.
PC James Owen, of Lancashire Police, said: “Norwood and Welch’s actions were cold, calculating and particularly shameful.
“They targeted the victim, a vulnerable pensioner, posing as handymen before entering her home and taking her purse.
“Thanks to overwhelming evidence the pair pleaded guilty and were each handed custodial sentences.
“Thefts of this nature can often have a long-lasting effect. Householders who are burgled have a sense of fear and insecurity for months to come and in this case the victim has been left very frightened and upset.
“We welcome the sentences and hope it serves as a warning to others wanting to commit such crimes.