'Distraction burglar' who preyed on elderly women lived luxury lifestyle while claiming benefits

"Distraction burglar" Neil Seagrave spent thousands of pounds stolen from his victims on gambling and stays in luxury hotel suites while claiming between £1,600 and £2,000 a month in benefits.

Detectives said Seagrave, who used to run a computer company, was a "horrible character" whose crimes had an "enormous" impact on many frail pensioners.

Norfolk Police said Seagrave's victims included a 96-year-old woman who lost £500 and had suffered a "drastic decline" in her health since being burgled, and a woman in her 80s who lost £5,000 she had saved to buy prosthetic legs for her sick grandson.

"In total, Seagrave stole thousands of pounds from his victims much of which was spent on gambling," said a police spokeswoman.

"He also, however, used the cash to pay for expensive stays in luxury hotel suites in areas he was planning to target."

She added: "As well as gaining from his crimes, Seagrave was claiming between £1,600 and £2,000 a month in benefits."

Detective Sergeant Pete Jessop, who led the investigation, added: "Seagrave is a horrible a character who preyed on genuine but scared elderly ladies.

"People like him who move around the country, hoping the distance between crimes will be enough to elude capture, need to realise that such boundaries are becoming non-existent."

Detective Constable Dave McCormack said: "Many of his victims are very frail indeed and what happened to them has had an enormous impact.

"Some can no longer sleep at night without seeing his face and some no longer feel safe in their own homes. For others it has sadly led to a decline in their health."

Andrew Baxter, the Crown Prosecution Service's chief prosecutor for Norfolk, said Seagrave had been convicted after a "great deal" of evidence had been gathered by a number of forces.

"The offences were sophisticated and there were a large number of burglaries to deal with, across several police forces and a large geographical area. A great deal of evidence had to be gathered," he said.

"Seagrave delayed entering a guilty plea to the last possible moment, meaning that the CPS and police had to work tirelessly to build the strongest possible case, covering all the options to ensure a successful outcome. This was a significant task but successfully delivered."

He added: "The prosecution team are pleased that an overwhelming case was put together and that for the victims of these crimes there can be some closure. The impact on the victims has been significant."

Police said members of the public had to beware of dangers posed by rogue traders and distraction burglars.

"Our advice is simple if you aren't sure - don't open the door. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting on the doorstep while you check their identity with the police, using the number provided in your local directory," added the spokeswoman.

"Householders are reminded to double check the identity of anyone cold calling at their home and always ask for quotes and references before any work on their garden or home is carried out.

"They should always ask for identification from any unexpected callers and not let anyone in if they are not comfortable with who they are.

"Councils and utilities companies will generally contact householders by telephone or letter if they plan to carry out repairs rather than make unsolicited calls.

"Please report anything suspicious as soon as possible."