TWO distraction burglars who targeted an 84-year-old woman living alone in South Woodford have been jailed.

Jonathon McCarthy, 21, of Bream Close, Tottenham and his bother Patrick Collins, 29, of Maurice Bishop Terrace, View Road, Highgate carried out a spate of burglaries in November 2011.

During the burglary in South Woodford, McCarthy claimed he had a delivery, but when the victim let him into the communal grounds he changed his story and told her he was doing building work and needed to check for leaks.

Once inside the woman's home he distracted her while Collins gained entry.

Four items of gold jewellery, which had huge sentimental value to the victim were stolen during the burglary.

The jewellery, including a gold chain and a heart shaped pendant, was given to her when she left Hong Kong 40 years ago.

Other victims included a 51-year-old disabled woman in Greenwich and a 78-year-old man who had more than £500 cash stolen from him.

Both men pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday May 16.

McCarthy was jailed for three years and four months and Collins was sentenced to two years and six months.

A third man, Francis Gavin, 44, of Maurice Bishop Terrace, View Road, Highgate was the getaway driver.

He also pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years and three months.

The court heard how the Metropolitan Police Service's London Crime Squad launched Operation Griswold which linked the burglaries through surveillance and the vehicles used.

Detective Inspector John Cracknell, London Crime Squad at Finchley, said: "I am really pleased with the convictions and sentences given to these men who deliberately targeted vulnerable people. Such was the amount of evidence gathered against them that they had no option but to plead guilty.

"Distraction burglars use very convincing reasons to get into your home. Always ask to see their identification and check it thoroughly, even if they're wearing uniforms. Don't let them in if you are not sure."

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