A 23-year-old thief who targeted an elderly man as part of a “despicable” distraction burglary, has been jailed.

Craig Eyre, of Leachcroft, Chalfont St Peter, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after he was found guilty of burgling the home of a pensioner in the same village.

In August last year, Eyre knocked at the door of the victim in Glebe Close, Chalfont St Peter, stating he had seen some broken glass on his property which he wanted to help clear up.

The victim told Eyre to wait at the front door whilst he went to collect a broom which Eyre then used to clear away the glass.

Eyre left the property after he was given a small amount of money for his so-called assistance.

The victim later realised that a “sum” of money had in fact been stolen from inside his home while he went away.

PC Penny Jefferys, of Chiltern and South Bucks Local CID, said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed to Eyre who has previously been convicted of burglary.

“This was a despicable crime committed against an elderly resident who had trusted Eyre.”

She added: “Burglary continues to be a top priority for us in Chiltern and South Bucks and we will do all we can to pursue, arrest and convict those who feel it is acceptable to commit such an intrusive crime.”

Eyre was arrested on August 27, 2015, – one day after the theft - and was charged later that day.

He was sentenced after being found guilty of burglary at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday.