TWO men who pretended to be electricians to con vulnerable pensioners into letting them into their homes have been jailed for a total of 14 years.

After conning their way in to the homes of the victims, who were between the ages of 63 and 88, Robert Lodge, 25, and Andrew Rubery, 24, stole a total of £900 cash, a Seiko watch, four bank cards, a handbag, a wallet, three purses and contents, a cheque books, store cards and personal items.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Rubery and Lodge struck at sheltered bungalows in Colne, Kelbrook, and Padiham over a five-day period in January.

Both men, who have no fixed address, were each sentenced to seven year's imprisonment after admitting four counts of burglary.

Speaking after the case, Sophie Lorimer, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “These two men deliberately targeted the homes of elderly people in order to burgle their homes. Over a five day period, they stole money, identification documents and personal items from people who clearly lived in sheltered bungalows.

“They duped the victims into letting them into their houses by masquerading as electricians. Once inside they rifled through personal belongings and left again so quickly the victims were hardly aware of what had just happened.

“Telephone records and a red Volkswagen Golf insured by Robert Lodge placed them in the area at the times the burglaries took place. The evidence against them was so overwhelming they were left with no alternative but to plead guilty to the burglaries.

“These sentences should send out a clear warning to others that think they can target the elderly in our society without recourse, we will continue to work closely with the police to pursue anyone involved in this type of criminality and bring them before the courts.”

Also speaking after the case, Sgt Kim De Curtis said: "All the victims outlined how the offender came across as very polite, enquiring into their ailments, disabilities and showing what they believed to be genuine compassion. This was obviously part of the offender’s intention to gain their trust which afterwards has had an upsetting effect upon them, with one victim moving to live with extended family in Hull that day, after living in Kelbrook all his life."

The offences took place on Colne Road, Kelbrook, Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, and Dryden Street, Padiham, on January 13, 14 and 19.

Both men pleaded not guilty to a further six offences and they will remain on file.