Burglary duo that befriended vulnerable victims for profit jailed

A man and a woman that worked together to befriend vulnerable victims for their own gain have been jailed for a collective sentence spanning nearly ten years.

Nicola Clewes, and Gary Betts, both 46 and from Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, admitted burglary and theft offences at an earlier hearing and were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Thursday 23 January.

Between February and April last year, the duo turned up at different addresses in Meir and targeted vulnerable people. They told one woman they were delivering post, eventually being allowed inside the victim’s home. They ate food, helped themselves to drinks and took cash from the victim’s purse before leaving.

They took household items and more cash from other victims, as well as medication.

When we found out about the thefts, we started immediate work to track the pair down and secure the evidence needed to charge them.

Clewes pleaded guilty to robbery and three counts of burglary. She was sentenced to six-and-a-half-years imprisonment.

Betts admitted two counts of burglary and was jailed for 40-months.

PC Hannah Sheldon, the officer in the case, said: “Clewes and Betts targeted vulnerable people repeatedly for their own financial gain and their sentences reflect this level of offending.

“This type of crime can have profound impact on victims, livelihoods and communities.

“We’re continuing to work hard each and every day to proactively target those seeking to exploit people living in Staffordshire for their own profit.”