Thief Craig Eyre posed as gardener to steal from pensioners

A thief posed as a gardener to steal from vulnerable pensioners and charged them for his ‘work’, a court heard.

Craig Eyre, 33, gave one of his victims a £120 bill that she could not pay, then returned to rummage through her drawers on 7 July this year.

Three days later he sneaked into an elderly woman’s home in Luton after offering to do some gardening work.

He pulled the victim’s telephone out of the socket so she could not call for help as he stole cash from her bag, Luton Crown Court heard.

Eyre admitted burglary of a dwelling and attempted robbery and was jailed for three years.

He had initially attended the home of his first victim on 30 June and she agreed he could do some tidying up in her garden.

Eyre then gave her with a bill for £120 that she couldn’t pay off in one go.

He went back to her home on 7 July and let himself in to collect the rest of the money.

Eyre went through her purse and drawers in the house for the cash but left with nothing.

On 10 July he offered his services to his second victim.

Despite not be asking to do so, he carried out some work in the garden then demanded payment before leaving.

The following day he returned and forced entry to her home and pulled the phone out of the socket so she couldn’t call for help.

He rummaged through her bag while the the woman shouted for her neighbours’ attention and he fled.

Eyre, of no fixed address, admitted burglary of a dwelling and attempted robbery.

Detective Constable James Carrington-Read, from Bedfordshire Police’s burglary unit, Operation Maze, said: ‘Eyre deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable victims in their own homes, exploiting their trust under the guise of offering gardening services.

‘His actions were calculated and intimidating, leaving his victims frightened and distressed.

‘Thanks to the bravery of those who came forward and the swift response from officers, Eyre has now been held accountable.

‘We hope this sentence brings some reassurance to the victims and sends a clear message that such predatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

‘We are urging the public to remain vigilant – if someone unexpectedly offers services at your door, especially without prior arrangement or identification, do not feel pressured to engage.

‘Always verify credentials and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.’