A smooth tongued thief who used his skills as a door-to-door salesman to dupe pensioners and steal their cash, has been jailed for two years and banned from doorstep selling in the future.

Alexander Steine needed the money to buy drugs so talked his way into his victim’s homes using excuses, such as he’d lost his keys and needed to borrow the phone to call a taxi.

Steine, 35, of Helvellyn Avenue, Ramsgate appeared on committal for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court having admitted two burglaries with 13 similar matters considered and breach of a suspended sentence from Thanet Magistrates. A further 150 days was added to the sentence for failing to comply with a community order requirement.

His victims all lived in Thanet and were nearly all elderly.

Steine told police he was spending £200 a day on heroin and crack cocaine.

He had previous convictions for theft and burglary and his lawyer, Paul Hogben, said Steine had been on a drug rehabilitation course, but failed when he succumbed to temptation after being offered drugs, which was the start of the offending spree.

He felt deeply ashamed and regretted what he’d done.

While in custody, Steine had made considerable efforts to get drug free, but would be vulnerable when released. He appreciated he was in jeopardy of a lengthy sentence.

Sentencing Steine, Judge Anthony Webb said he had managed to get drug free in the past but when previously given a sentence that included a drug rehabilitation requirement, Steine had failed to comply. “That was your chance and you failed it and went out and committed this string of offences which show you to be, when you are trying to get money for your drugs, quite capable of calm, manipulative and selfish behaviour.

“These were old ladies who had few possessions in life to whom the loss of a handbag and its contents would have bought extreme distress and concern that they had allowed into their house someone like yourself.”