A DISTRACTION burglar who preyed on elderly people in Blackburn has been jailed for six years.

Ajmal Sattar pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and was jailed at Preston Crown Court.

The 52-year-old committed the first offence at around 11am on September 6 at a home in Griffin Street.

An 82-year-old heard a knock at her front door and when she answered, a man, now known to be Sattar, said he was enquiring about a dead person who used to live on the street.

He asked her if he could have a pen and paper to leave a note.

The victim went to find a pen and paper and when she turned back around, she saw Sattar was sat in her armchair, uninvited.

He then asked for a drink and whilst the victim was distracted, Sattar stole cash from her purse which was in the living room. He then made his excuses and left.

On September 17, Sattar conned his way into the home of a 78-year-old victim in Pendle Drive, Blackburn, asking to leave a note for a neighbour due to a death in their family.

He asked to borrow a pen and paper but only got as far as the hallway before being disturbed by the next door neighbours returning home. He left empty handed.

On September 22, Sattar, of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, used the same distraction technique on a 72-year-old victim at a house in Cutler Close.

When the victim went inside to get him the stationery Sattar followed her into the house and asked her for a drink.

When she was distracted he stole a purse containing cash and personal items.

Sattar was arrested soon after that offence took place but answered no comment to all questions put to him during police interview.

He has now been jailed for six years.

PC Mark Bewley, of the East Target Team, said: “Sattar is a callous and cowardly offender who deliberately targeted vulnerable residents.

“I welcome the sentence handed down by the court, which reflects the seriousness and impact of Sattar’s offending on the communities in which he operated.”