Northampton judge jails heartless burglar who targeted disabled and elderly

A 34-year-old woman targeted a vulnerable man and a 92-year-old woman in two callous burglaries.

Northampton Crown Court heard Maria Rowland broke into a home in Weedon in October last year while a disabled man's wife was out walking their dog.

And, a month later, she stole a pensioner's cash after tricking her way into a property in sheltered accomodation by pretending to need the loo.

Detectives identified Roland after she attempted to take cash out from an ATM and then used a stolen bank card to buy scratch cards at a nearby shop.

Rowland pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Terry Rush, said: “Maria Rowland preyed on vulnerable people and I am glad she pleaded guilty at court so that her victims were not put through the distress of a trial.

“I hope she thinks long and hard on how low she has stooped here and will come out of prison with a desire to make better choices.

“Burglary remains a top priority for Northamptonshire Police and we take a zero-tolerance approach towards burglars – you are not welcome in this county and we will catch you and bring you to justice.”

Rowland first struck on on October 23, 2020, when she stole a handbag after breaking into the home of a disabled person in Weedon while his wife was out.

She later attempted to get cash with one of the stolen bank cards before using the same card to buy scratch cards at a nearby shop.

The second burglary happened on November 18, 2020, when Rowland knocked on the door of a 92-year-old woman in a sheltered accommodation building in Daventry and asked if she could use the bathroom as the communal one was busy.

The lady obliged but once inside, Rowland stole a purse and cash worth £255 and ran off.

Rowland was identified following an investigation by Northamptonshire Police’s Burglary Team West and subsequently arrested and charged.