JAILED: Distraction burglars who targeted woman, 95
A remorseless distraction burglar who targeted women in their homes - including a 95-year-old woman - has been jailed for more than six years.
Kelly Ford pretended to be a police officer in order to get into the 95-year-old woman's house in Castle Vale on New Year's Day.
Nothing was stolen but Ford searched the rooms in the house – much to the pensioner's distress.
Ford was seen leaving the address and from the description given, officers immediately thought of her because she had recently been charged with a similar offence in Great Barr.
In November 2014 Ford, from Gravelley Lane, Erdington, had knocked on the door of a house in Elmbridge Road and asked if she could use the householder's phone.
Thinking Ford to be alone and in need of help, the woman opened the door and let her in. After using the phone, Ford then asked if she could have £2 and when the woman refused, the 33-year-old grabbed her handbag.
As the two women struggled over the handbag Martin Clarke – aged 36 and also of Elmbridge Road - walked in and pushed the householder to the floor, taking the bag from her.
Ford and Clarke then left and police were called. Checks showed the mobile called from the woman's phone was a number linked to Ford, who also matched the description given by the victim.
Officers then went to Ford's address that same evening and arrested both Ford and Clarke on suspicion of the burglary.
The pair were charged with offence and while on court bail, Ford went on to target the pensioner.
Both Ford and Clarke pleaded guilty to the offences and were handed six-and-a-half-years and three year-four-month sentences respectively at Birmingham Crown Court on June 17.
Detective Constable Michelle Hunt said: "Both women were left extremely upset by what happened and we are satisfied with the lengthy terms given to Ford and Clarke, which reflect the impact their actions had on their victims.
"Ford had no qualms about burgling the home of a woman in her 90s on New Year's Day and has shown no remorse for her crimes.
"While residents are undoubtedly safer with Ford and Clarke behind bars, I would urge people not to be complacent and not to let uninvited callers into their homes.
"No matter what sob story they may have or how plausible they appear, if you're in any doubt at all don't let them in and call 999 straightaway."
