A burglar has been jailed after he distracted a pensioner while an accomplice ransacked her home.

David Cuss, 27, was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment following the theft of jewellery and bank cards at a property in High Halstow, near Rochester.

Cuss targeted his victim, aged in her 70s, on February 24 this year.

He visited her Christmas Lane home and tricked his way into her garden, claiming to be there to inspect a garden fence belonging to a neighbouring property.

He then kept the victim distracted at the end of the garden, while a second man entered the house and rifled through her belongings.

The victim only discovered she had been burgled after she saw Cuss suddenly leave with another man and drive away in a white Ford Transit van.

Cuss was caught days later when, on February 26, the van was stopped by police in Essex.

It had activated automatic number plate recognition cameras.

He refused to be interviewed by officers or give any details about his accomplice, who remains outstanding.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, Cuss, of Middle Littleton, near Evesham in Worcestershire, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Detective Constable Dan Bister said: "David Cuss is a devious and calculating individual who deliberately preyed on a victim he thought was vulnerable and who he assumed would be an easy target.

"He helped steal a number of cherished possessions, many of which have great sentimental value and have never been recovered.

"Sadly, criminals such as Cuss, sometimes target the more vulnerable members of our communities to carry out offences such as distraction burglaries.

"These crimes can have devastating impact on victims' confidence and ability to trust.

"However, by working together we can and do stop them, so please keep your eyes peeled and always report any suspicious behaviour.

"Thankfully, on this occasion we were able to quickly track down the vehicle Cuss was driving, before he could target any further victims."