'Charming' thief jailed after conning two elderly women in Luton distraction burglaries

Thomas Hughes, 22, of St. Thomas's Road, Luton, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday, July 24, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle properties in Luton.

On July 13 last year, Hughes and accomplice persuaded an elderly woman to allow them into her home in Langdale Road, Luton, in order to complete some gardening work.

The victim allowed them in to have a look and one of the men stole her bank card while she was distracted.

Later that day, at around 7.20pm, Hughes was identified on CCTV trying to break into a home on Wigmore Lane.

On July 14 last year, Hughes and two others approached an elderly woman living in Rutland Crescent, claiming they needed to remove some branches from the rear of her garden.

While inside the victim's home, the men kept her distracted and stole pieces of jewellery.

Officers were able to link Hughes to the burglaries using CCTV.

Hughes and another man were also identified during an identification parade.

DC Jason Wheeler said: “Hughes was convincing and charming to the elderly victims, which made them feel even more vulnerable after the incidents, and I was glad I could identify him on CCTV.

“I am delighted to see another burglar in Bedfordshire has been jailed, and I hope that Hughes will spend some time reflecting on his actions.

“While we continue to work hard to put offenders behind bars and protect the public, we would also encourage people to talk to their elderly friends, family and neighbours about distraction burglaries, and the importance of vigilance and home security.”

Hughes received 42 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle, and 10 months to run consecutively in relation to a Hertfordshire offence of engaging in unfair commercial practices.

One of his accomplices, 22-year-old James Williamson, 22, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment at the end of last year.