A MAN who pretended to be a vulnerable pensioner's carer to steal from him has been jailed. 

Benjamin Norris, 36, entered the 94-year-old victim's home in Aldershot on Wednesday, June 7, under the guise of being his carer. 

Norris stole the victim’s savers account passbook, bank information, credit cards and pension information.  

Officers launched an investigation and fingerprint samples taken from inside the property were later identified as belonging to Norris. 

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Basingstoke Gazette: Benjamin Norris, 36Benjamin Norris, 36 (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

He was charged with burglary dwelling and theft and possession of a controlled drug of Class B. 

Norris, of Queensmead, Farnborough, denied the burglary offence but was convicted after a trial at Winchester Crown Court. He was jailed for 40 months on Friday, December 15.

Detective Constable Matt McCarthy, from the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Norris targeted a vulnerable elderly man who has vascular dementia. He used the victim’s vulnerability against him to steal from him when he was inside his own home. 

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“I hope this sentence sends a clear message to distraction burglars, or anyone who tries to take advantage of elderly or vulnerable people, that we will investigate these incidents thoroughly to secure justice for victims.

“The impact of having your home burgled should not be underestimated, and I’m really pleased that we have secured this outcome for the victim in this case.

“We urge anyone who has been the victim of dwelling burglary or anyone who has information on burglary or stolen goods to contact us on 101 or via the Hampshire Constabulary website."

More information on how to protect your home from distraction burglary can be found at hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention.