A WOMAN who used her pregnancy to help steal from elderly victims has been jailed for six years.

Kayleigh Mitchell, of Croydon Close, Southampton, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Monday for 11 burglaries and thirteen frauds.

The offences happened in areas of Ringwood, Southampton, Waterlooville as well as in Dorset, Sussex and Wiltshire between January 19 and March 23 this year.

The 25-year-old, who was arrested in Salisbury, pleaded guilty to eight burglaries and four frauds, and asked for a further three burglaries and nine frauds to be taken into consideration.

Posing as a charity collector Mitchell knocked on doors of elderly and vulnerable people and used her pregnancy to get herself invited into their homes in the guise of asking for a glass of water, or to sit down.

She pretended on occasion that she was collecting money for a variety of charities, including cancer charities.

Her victims were mostly aged in their 80s, with the oldest aged 94.

Sentencing, Judge Nick Rowland said: “What you were doing is using your state of pregnancy to win the confidence and trust of vulnerable elderly ladies.

“You tricked your way into their homes in order to steal.

“You used your pregnancy as a ruse to get in.

“You were a thief and a burglar and a very determined one.”

All but one of Mitchell’s offences were committed while she was on bail, with a condition not to canvass door-to-door.

Mitchell was also ordered to pay £900 criminal court charges and a £120 surcharge.

Following the sentencing senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Steve Deeprose said: "Mitchell was targeting vulnerable and elderly people by pretending to be collecting for charities. She was heavily pregnant at the time and used this to her advantage.

"She persuaded her victims to part with cash claiming it was for a variety of charities, and if she managed to get beyond the doorstep she would go on to distract her victims and steal valuables from their homes.

"In one case she took jewellery and a handbag from an elderly lady. On other occasions she took cash."

He added: "Mitchell was identified through the descriptions that her victims offered and by taking full advantage of all forensic opportunities.

"I welcome the sentence which is a clear message to those that are tempted to commit this type of crime. Mitchell's victims will no doubt also have been given the closure that they need, now that she has received a six year sentence."

Hampshire Police is urging members of the public to ensure they protect themselves against distraction burglars. Further advice is available on their website by going to hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/crime-prevention/safer-home-distraction-burglary