A Dudley woman has been jailed for two years and six months for stealing from a disabled pensioner in his own home.

Lesley Ann Bird from Netherton, entered the pensioner’s home in St. Pauls Road via an unlocked door on the afternoon of 22nd June, claiming she had been sent to collect green bags. When the bedridden pensioner asked to see ID, the 35-year-old said she would look for it in her car, but returned seconds later and snatched a whisky jar containing over £100.

Bird denied all knowledge of the offence in interview, but was clearly captured on CCTV footage approaching the house and leaving clutching the whisky jar. PC Max Callender, from Stourbridge Police, said:

“We are satisfied with the sentence handed to Bird at Wolverhampton Crown Court and local people can be reassured this thief will be off the streets for the foreseeable future.

“In light of how this burglary happened, we’d also like to remind people about the risk of leaving their homes insecure at any time, even if they are in the property."

Further advice on how to keep your home safe and secure can be found on the West Midlands Police website.