Burglar who preyed on elderly and vulnerable victims in Preston jailed

A prolific burglar whose victims included an 88-year-old woman who was in the house has been jailed.

Alan Eastham, 51, pleaded guilty to four counts of residential burglary and fraud by false representation and appeared in court last week for sentencing.

Preston Crown Court heard how during April, May and June this year, Eastham entered the homes of victims through unlocked doors, or by distracting them, before stealing items.

One victim, the 88-year-old woman, had her handbag containing £440 and a photograph of her late husband stolen.

Another had her wedding rings stolen while she was in her garden – these items have still not been returning.

When Lancashire Constabulary searched Eastham’s home, on Maynard Street, they found a number of items taken in the burglaries.

Eastham was jailed for six years at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, 22 August.

A spokesperson for police said: “Operation Defender is a force-wide campaign that aims to combat residential burglary with support from Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.”

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