A "devious and calculating" burglar who tricked his way into the homes of elderly victims will be sentenced next week.

Ambrose Treeby, 33, of Queen Street, Paddock Wood, cold-called his victims in a bid to gain cash.

Detective Sergeant Suzie Basford described Treeby’s crimes as “the lowest of the low”.

One of Treeby’s victims, a 92-year-old woman, had £800 stolen from her in two separate incidents.

The first came on September 1, 2016, when he knocked on her door in Woodlands Road, Aylesford.

Claiming to be from the local housing association, Treeby told the victim she had a problem with her telephone.

Once inside he distracted the vulnerable pensioner, searching rooms until he came across £500.

Just days later, on September 7, Treeby returned, claiming he needed to remove a fridge.

After asking the elderly victim to make him a hot drink, he suddenly left and she discovered £300 had been taken.

"He belongs behind bars and is now facing justice for his appalling actions" Det Sgt Suzie Basford

An 89-year-old woman was twice targeted by Treeby when he called on her home in Barden Road, Tonbridge.

On the first occasion, on August 18, 2016, he pestered the victim to give him £40 to take away a mattress in her garden.

She gave him the money, but the mattress was never moved.

Returning on September 9, 2016, Treeby made the woman sign a blank cheque, claiming he worked with the local council and had come to clear up a rat problem.

Police were informed and the cheque was stopped.

Other victims reported being targeted in Tenterden, as well as Rye in Sussex, where he had previously assaulted and stolen from a victim in 2009.

The victim recognised him and refused to let him in.

On September 21, 2017, Treeby was arrested after a witness spotted him acting suspiciously outside the 92-year-old victim’s home in Aylesford.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court today, Treeby admitted four burglaries and one attempted burglary.

Two further charges of fraud and an attempted burglary were left on file.

He will be sentenced on Thursday, January 18.

DS Basford said: “Ambrose Treeby is a devious and calculating individual who deliberately preyed on the most vulnerable members of society in order to steal their money.

“His crimes were the lowest of the low and have had a terrible impact on his victims’ confidence and ability to trust. He belongs behind bars and is now facing justice for his appalling actions.”