A distraction burglar who stole from the elderly and vulnerable has been jailed for more than six years.

Paul Ellis, of The Oaks in Hersden, took cash and sentimental items from victims in villages around Canterbury and Faversham in June and August last year.

The first offence took place in Wingham on June 20, when Ellis stole a purse, a wallet and cash from a property whose owners were in the back garden.

The 47-year-old then returned to the property two months later, but when one of the owners answered the door to him he claimed to be from the police, investigating the original offence.

On the same day, August 6, another Wingham resident saw Ellis leaving his property and confronted him, but Ellis left the scene before the man realised his mobile phone had been taken.

On the same day, in nearby Preston, Ellis was seen entering the house of a vulnerable woman in her 90s.

A neighbour went to check on her and found the contents of her handbag strewn across the floor and cash stolen.

The following week, on August 11, Ellis told a woman in her 80s in Faversham that he had been sent to her home to fit fire alarms.

After he left, she discovered her late husband's signet ring, an engagement ring and two other pieces of jewellery had been stolen.

Then on the August 16, Ellis went to the Sturry home of a vulnerable woman in her 70s.

He told her he was from the council before stealing ornamental plates.

Police investigated the offences and linked them all to a Citroen van which had been seen in the area of the burglaries on each of the days they took place.

They also obtained CCTV images of Ellis at the locations.

The Citroen was seen by officers in Hersden on August 18.

They pursued and stopped the vehicle and Ellis was arrested along with another man, Dean Bushell.

Last Friday (September 24), Ellis was was jailed for six years and one month at Canterbury Crown Court after admitting five counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.

Bushell, 35, of Acacia Drive, Hersden, was jailed for one year at the same hearing, having admitted three burglary charges in relation to driving Ellis to the offences on August 6.

Investigating officer, PC Adele Tyrer, said: "Ellis targeted the elderly and those with disabilities and took items which were of great sentimental value to some of his victims.

"Kent Police is determined to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and I am pleased the quick identification of the vehicle involved in these offences led to the arrest of these two men and their jailing.

"I urge all homeowners, particularly the elderly, to call police, neighbours or relatives if they suspect anyone coming to their home is not who they say they are. We will investigate with a view to bringing any offenders to justice."

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