Woman who preyed on elderly victims in Ribbleton robberies jailed for seven years

A woman has been jailed for more than seven years after robbing elderly residents in Ribbleton.

Natasha Hough, 33, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (8 March).

In June 2020 a woman in her 60s was walking home when she was approached by a woman near to Dunnerdale Close.

The woman, later identified as Hough, grabbed the victim’s handbag and ran off. A man chased Hough, who dropped the handbag and purse, with the victim later finding cash had been stolen.

In August 2020 a man in his 70s living in the Dawnay Road area reported a robbery to police.

Two women had come to the front door of his property asking for money, before stealing £420, £200 of cigarettes and two gold rings, and then making off from the scene. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Hough was also convicted of a theft offence from Superdrug in the St George’s Shopping Centre in June 2019, as well as perverting the course of justice.

After pleading guilty at court, she was handed a sentence of seven years and six months in prison.

Det Con Stephen Rotherham, of Preston CID, said: “Hough was a prolific offender who targeted vulnerable people.

“She preyed upon elderly victims, knowing they were isolated and helpless.

“Thankfully she has been handed a lengthy prison sentence, where she can reflect upon the gravity of her actions.”

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