THREE Romanian men have been jailed for two years each for committing a series of distraction burglaries at the homes of elderly residents in Broseley and Albrighton.
Constantin Covrig, 38, Gheorge Marin-Diaconu, 25 and Gheorge Negrea, 33, who all live in Dale Street, Smethwick, entered three homes in Albrighton and one in Broseley within the space of an hour on June 22.
Jailing the trio after they admitted a charge of conspiracy to burgle, Judge Nicholas Mitchell said at Shrewsbury Crown Court: “This was a pre-meditated offence, targeting the homes of elderly people in the county. These poor people will now be living in fear in their own homes everytime somebody knocks on the door.”
Following their arrest, £604.62 was found in the car used on the day and Judge Mitchell ordered them to pay the money back under the proceeds of crime act.
Mr Mark Sharman for Covrig, said his client was of good behaviour previously and no violence or intimidation had been used. Miss Faye Mellor, for Marin-Diaconu and Negrea, said they had been of previous good character.