A burglar who preyed on the elderly often returning to their homes on repeated occasions was arrested on suspicion of a series of 17 Thornton Heath break-ins 

The woman suspect targeted some of our most elderly and vulnerable residents in their own homes – many of whom have severe physical and mental health disabilities.

The victims, who were also sometimes repeat victims, all had their cash, jewellery, even a TV set stolen from their homes by the suspected thief.

The burglaries were carried out over the last three weeks in Thornton Heath and they were identified and linked together by Thornton Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team officers who arrested the woman. 

One poor victim suffered four burglaries in a three week period, discovering: “cherished momentoes and possessions were looted on each occasion” said a spokesman.

Detectives are currently working to try and recover any stolen items to their rightful owners and we will contact all the victims in due course to update them personally as to the progress of this investigation.

CID officers have now taken control of the investigation.

The woman has been charged with two burglaries at elderly persons flats. Other offences are under investigation

To report a crime call 101, or report it online at www.met.police.uk, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111. In the case of an emergency dial 999