A burglar who conned elderly victims by claiming to be a police officer investigating counterfeit money has been jailed.

Elijah King, 33, gained the trust of his victims, all aged in their 70s to 90s, and claimed he needed to examine their money to establish if the notes were counterfeit.

King, of Meadow Lane, Runwell, was charged with five burglaries in Wickford – in Friern Gardens, Southend Road, Belchamps Road, Third Avenue, Short Lane – and three in Maldon Road, Margaretting, Oxney Mead in Writtle, and The Gardens, Doddinghurst.

All took place between March 3 and April 5 this year.

King appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday October 14, and pleaded guilty to the burglaries in Short Lane, Maldon Road, Southend Road and Friern Gardens. He stole a total of £800.50 from those victims.

The other four charges were laid on file and he was jailed for four and a half years.

Investigating officer Dc Charlie Cronin, of Basildon CID, said: "King was a callous criminal who knowingly targeted elderly victims and spun them convincing tales in order to gain their trust.

"Sadly two of his victims have since died and did not get to see him jailed for his distressing crimes.

"King now has ample time to reflect on his actions.”