A woman who stole cash, jewellery and an antique watch from an elderly couple’s home in Watford has been jailed.

Claire Charlton entered the victims’ home off Radlett Road via a side door on April 20, 2019, St Albans Crown Court heard.

The victims, both in their 80s, were sitting in their conservatory when they heard a noise.

One of the victim’s went to investigate and found 33-year-old Charlton searching the kitchen.

The defendant quickly exited the house and ran off before the victims called the police.

It was later discovered that Charlton had stolen hundreds of pounds in cash, jewellery and an antique watch worth thousands of pounds.

Some of the items stolen were of huge sentimental value to the victims and can never be replaced, Hertfordshire Constabulary said.

Charlton, of Rickmansworth Road, Watford was later arrested on suspicion of the offence in June 2019 before being charged.

Watford Observer: Claire Charlton has been jailed (photo Hertfordshire Constabulary)Claire Charlton has been jailed (photo Hertfordshire Constabulary)

She was found guilty of burglary dwelling and theft following a short trial at St Albans Crown Court.

She appeared for sentencing on Friday, September 17 and was put behind bars for three years.

Detective Constable Jon Holmes, who led the investigation, said: “Charlton clearly had no qualms about targeting two vulnerable victims in their own home and brazenly stealing items which did not belong to her.

“It has been a long time coming but I am pleased this case has finally concluded, resulting in a custodial sentence. Now she is behind bars, Charlton is no longer able to commit crime which harms the community.”

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