Con woman who posed as carer to steal from elderly caught after leaving DNA on mug

Jennifer Simmons, 32, was jailed for three years for duping her way into vulnerable people's homes and nicking laptops, phones and cash.

A woman who posed as a carer so she could steal from the elderly was caught after leaving DNA on a mug she drank in a victim’s house.

Jennifer Simmons, 32, was jailed for three years for duping her way into vulnerable people’s homes and nicking laptops, phones and cash in the Birmingham area in June.

Simmons pretended to be a carer to gain entry to the home of an 82-year-old woman and stole a vintage handbag, cash and a gold watch.

Police were able to link her to the crime after she drank water from a Toffee Crisp mug, leaving her DNA behind.

She also returned to her first victim, a 72-year-old woman who had mobility issues and pretended to be her twin sister, before stealing cash and a laptop.

When she was caught, she ripped out phone wires to stop her victim calling for help.

A disabled woman’s son recovered three phones she had stolen from his mother and used one to photograph her as she fled.

Police circulated the image and the public helped identify her.

Simmons, of Over Pool Road, Ward End, Birmingham, denied all knowledge of the crimes and was charged with three burglaries.

She was jailed for three years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court on August 6.

West Midlands Police investigating officer Jay Aston said: ‘She took advantage of people’s vulnerabilities and good nature for her own gain.

‘These were nasty, calculated, pre-meditated crimes whereby vulnerable people were deliberately targeted in their own homes, a place where anyone and everyone expects to feel safe.

‘We had a fantastic response from our appeal for information and I’d like to thank everyone that took the time to get in touch.

‘We’ve now ensured that Simmons has been taken away from society for several years and no longer poses a danger.’