Fake window cleaner steals £15,000 from elderly woman's Sedgley home
David Allen stole £15,000 worth of his victim's gold whilst she went to make a cup of tea
Last updated 24th Oct 2025
A man from Tipton Road, Sedgley, has been jailed for 4 years after burgling an elderly woman whilst pretending to be a window cleaner.
40-year-old David Allen stole £15,000 worth of gold whilst his 80-year-old victim went to make a cup of tea. Allen gained the elderly woman's trust by lying about his occupation, allowing him to enter her Sedgley home.
The burglar was caught on CCTV footage, and later arrested and charged by West Midlands Police.
Allen pleaded guilty to a charge of distraction burglary at Wolverhampton Court on 17 October.
PC Luke Johnson, from Dudley Neighbourhood Crime Team, said:
“Allen took advantage of an elderly woman in her home by tricking her. He was an opportunist with no regard for or thought for his vulnerable victim.
“This sentence sends out a clear message that if you behave in this way you will be caught and will face years behind bars. We would urge people to be vigilant and be aware of distraction burglars."