A man who stole money from two elderly women in their homes has been jailed for three years.

Lewis Willett, 31, of Pleasant Place, Hersham, Surrey, was first found in the kitchen of a woman in her 60s in Western Avenue, Buckingham, at around 1.30pm on June 3.

The victim shouted for Willett to leave but he argued there was work to be done in the garden. After he left, the woman noticed her husband’s wallet had been stolen.

In another incident, Willett knocked on the door of a woman in her 70s at around 7pm on June 29.

After telling her he could carry out building work the victim was due to have on her house in The Maltings, Chackmore, he went into the property.

The victim gave Willett her debit card, scared that he would return to her house, and Willett withdrew £300 from a nearby cash machine.

Willett was arrested on July 7 and charged the same day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rachel Huggins based at Abingdon Police Station, said: “These burglaries were targeted at innocent, elderly people within our communities.

“We will not tolerate such behaviour in our communities and we will always investigate reports of this nature thoroughly and put offenders before the courts.

“We advise anyone to ensure they get ID from people knocking at their door and not let them into their house or to give them any money.

 “I would like to thank the victims for their support throughout our investigation, and I hope that the fact Willett will now go to prison will serve as some solace to them.”