A FRAIL pensioner was targeted by a burglar so many times that police had to install CCTV in her home.

The 79-year-old was just one of a string of elderly folk who fell victim to drug addict Stuart Davey as he turned to crime to fund his habit.

Davey, 34, has now been jailed for five years at Burnley Crown Court.

Police today said he had been behind so many crimes that pensioners could sleep easier in their beds knowing he was behind bars.

Davey, 34, who targeted lone pensioners, struck at the home of a recent widow who offered him a room after she fell for his tales of woe.

He repaid her kindness by pinching cash, wheelchairs and electrical equipment worth £10,000 while she was on holiday.

Davey, said to have been in the grip of a "chronic" heroin addiction, struck 20 times in the Nelson and Brierfield areas. He was arrested but carried on his months-long campaign of mean theft and trickery even while on bail.

Yesterday he paid the price when Judge Alan Taylor told him: "Elderly victims have to be protected by the courts in so far as they possibly can and others deterred."

Davey, of Ada Street, Burnley, but who has recently been on remand, admitted theft two deception charges, two counts of burglary and failing to surrender, between last June and January this year. He asked for 15 offences to be considered.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Andy Eddlestone said: "He deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable victims..

"We are satisfied with the sentence which should act as a deterrent."

Prosecutor Michael Lavery, said the 79-year-old widow's home was in need of repair and it was obvious an elderly person lived there.

The victim, who had just come out of hospital, was visited by bogus callers who pestered her claiming they had done work and wanted payment. In June, she gave £40 to the defendant.

A week later the defendant went back demanding money and the woman was found crying in the street.

Mr Lavery said police installed CCTV in the hallway. Davey returned, was captured on film pestering the 79-year-old for £45 and when she refused he picked up her shopping bag and purse and walked out.

When shown the video he aid he had been "high as a kite".

The prosecutor said Davey befriended a widow whose husband had just died of multiple sclerosis, offering to do gardening.

He told her he lived without water and power and she let him a room.

Last October she went on holiday leaving him money to feed the dog and the house full of food.

On return she found electrical equipment, an air rifle, her £1,000 engagement ring and two electric wheelchairs, worth a total of almost £10,000, missing.

The defendant also conned cash from her neighbours, in one case saying she had broken her leg and he had to collect her from Gatwick.

Mr Lavery said Davey was bailed and in December picked on a 61-year-old Brierfield woman, telling her her drains needed attention.

In January he went back, wearing overalls with Security' on the jacket.

He took her purse and £42. He was arrested the day after and asked police: "Is this the one in Brierfield yesterday?"

Martin Hackett, defending, said when the offences were committed, Davey was leading a chaotic lifestyle. He was desperate for drugs.

The defendant was remorseful and wanted to apologise to the victims.