A one-man crimewave who terrorised elderly and vulnerable people in South Cheshire was been jailed for six years.

Oliver Boswell (pictured), 34, from Northwich and Middlewich, was charged with eight burglaries and two attempt thefts with violence.

Police stepped up patrols in Crewe last summer as it began to emerge pensioners were being targeted in their own home by a man pretending to be from the waterboard.

Boswell would try to gain entry and once inside would demand cash or distract his victim to take cash.

Officers tracked Boswell down and arrested him on 31 July. He was charged and remanded two days later.

Boswell was charged with 10 offences including one at Tennyson Avenue where he tricked his way into the home of an 83-year-old woman.

She suffered a minor cut to her foot when he pushed past her and demanded cash.

He was also charged with forcing his way into the Claughton Avenue home of a 78-year-old woman. He forced his way into the house and pushed his victim into a wall before stealing her handbag.

Det Insp Nigel Groom said: “We were very concerned, in particular with the two incidents where the offender showed violence towards the victims.

“Detectives from my burglary unit worked tirelessly alongside Neighbourhood policing officers to track down the man who carried out these despicable crimes.

“Although no one has been seriously physically injured all the victims have understandably been deeply affected and traumatised.

“While we cannot turn back the clock, we can take satisfaction in the fact Boswell is getting what he deserves for preying on the elderly and the vulnerable.”

Boswell pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced on Friday.

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