Bogus gardener who stole from pensioners is jailed

A burglar who offered to help tend pensioners' gardens - but instead plundered their homes - has been jailed.

Robert Price, 37, posed as an experienced gardener, offering to mow lawns and trim hedges in Merthyr Tydfil for as little as £10.

He then took the opportunity to case their homes, before stealing valuables.

The court was told how Price "spent hours" knocking on the doors of retired residents, saying he was a former council gardener looking to help them out.

On one occasion, he was "disappointed" to find that a safe in the home of one 79-year-old victim contained insulin, not money - but stole it anyway.

Price also targeted a retirement complex.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and was jailed for four and a half years.