Leigh burglar jailed after stealing from the elderly

A 30-year-old who admitted carrying out burglaries at three properties owned by pensioners in Leigh last October has been jailed for over six years.

Felix Rooney was handed the sentence at Liverpool Crown Court this week.

The burglar, who was arrested for stealing a Vauxhall Insignia, had stolen cash and vouchers from three homes during the same morning.

The first victim was an 89-year-old woman who lived on Grasmere Street, Norley Hall, with the criminal gaining access to her home by claiming to be an official from the water board.

An 83-year-old woman was the next person to be duped by Mr Rooney at her property on Walmesley Road, Leigh, an hour and a half later.

Not long after that, Mr Rooney stole money from a 78-year-old woman who lived on Belmont Avenue, Bickershaw.

Detective Sergeant Graham Clare said:

“Rooney is an unscrupulous thief who did not think twice about conning his way into the home of elderly women, who he thought of as easy pickings, and stealing from them.

“The victims all thought Rooney was helping them and feel all the more aggrieved at his deception.

“I have no doubt his crime spree would have continued had he not been stopped that same day and I am pleased he has been jailed and can no longer target some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”