A woman suffering from a painful and debilitating condition has revealed how she caught her so-called friend stealing from her after setting up a secret camera in her home.

Earlier this year we reported that Katherine Rees, from Hadlow near Tonbridge, had been conned by mum-of-three Elena Jeffery, who befriended her before stealing almost £2,200 from her bank account and cash from her home.

Jeffery was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court in April, where she avoided jail but was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay her former friend £2,400 in compensation.

Now Katherine, 32, has been filmed for Channel 5’s Secrets of the Scammers where she revealed she became suspicious someone was stealing from her and, after speaking to police, decided to turn detective.

The former special needs teacher, who has a rare neurological disorder called complex regional pain syndrome, told viewers last night evening: “She [Jeffery] was a trusted friend, she would come around for a cup of tea and give me emotional support.”

Jeffery was initially employed as Katherine’s cleaner but the pair got on well and she became one of a select few Katherine trusted with her bank card and PIN when she needed cash, but was in too much pain to leave the house.

But when money started going missing, Katherine set up the camera and discovered Jeffery was taking money from her purse as well as her bank account.

She continued: “There was a clip where I went to the bathroom and saw Elena open a cupboard door where I kept money I had been given by my family for Christmas.

“Then on another occasion, when I went upstairs, she put her hand into my handbag and took cash from my wallet.”

Money was taken from Katherine’s account 22 times in six weeks without her authorisation.

During April’s court case, Katherine read a statement saying the thefts had a huge impact on her, making her feel physically sick.

In the programme, aired last night, she said: “Physically, socially and emotionally, it ruined everything.”

Presenter Alexis Conran said Katherine’s experience should serve as a reminder to check bank accounts regularly and keep cards and PINs safe.