Two bungling burglars who were caught on crystal clear CCTV ransacking an elderly woman’s home tried to cover their tracks by stealing the cameras.
The thieves were caught on secret cameras which were rigged up in the 83-year-old victim’s home.
The pair broke in by smashing open a key box at the front of the property before letting themselves in and telling the woman they were from the gas board.
One of the intruders was filmed roaming around the kitchen of the property in Ragley Drive, Sheldon, Birmingham, after breaking on at 11am on Monday (5/2).
When the crooks spotted the HD cameras they tried to cover their tracks by stealing them but the footage was already backed up to a central database.
One of the burglars also tried to hide his face behind a black folder but was quite clearly visible as he grabbed the camera.
Sergeant Tom Lyons who is leading the investigation said: “Two men forced their way into an elderly woman’s home, and that is quite simply unacceptable.
“HD cameras installed inside the house recorded the incident and, although the callous thieves attempted to cover their tracks by stealing the equipment, officers were able to download and secure the footage from a central database.
“I’m concerned these individuals will seek out and target other vulnerable members of the community so identifying them is a priority.
“We really need people to come forward if they recognise the men, so we can put a stop to what they’re doing.”
