Swindon burglar targeted woman in her 90s in Wiltshire

Keiron Barlow, of no fixed abode in Swindon, was sentenced to six years and two months in jail at Swindon Crown Court for his involvement in three burglaries.

Two took place in Wiltshire and the other happened in Medmenham, Buckinghamshire, when the 27-year-old and two other masked men were chased from a property they had broken into.

The first victim lived on Hardenhuish Lane, in Chippenham.

On May 25, 2022, Barlow and two others accessed the property while the occupants were on holiday.

Barlow initially took a pressure washer before returning with two accomplices and stealing cash and jewellery amounting to more than £100,000.

Two men have already been sentenced to three years and two years for their part in this burglary.

On October 25, 2022, Barlow then smashed his way into the rear of another property in Cricklade.

Kieron Barlow (Image: Wiltshire Police)

The victim was a woman in her early 90s who was watching TV at the time.

Nothing was stolen on this occasion.

In statements read out in court, the victims revealed how Barlow had “violated” their sense of security.

The son of the Cricklade victim said: "My mother despite her age has always been a strong-willed, independent woman who I would have described to anyone as tough and outgoing.

“She has lived through World War Two enduring the evacuation and being away from home for several years.

“She should at her age be able to try and enjoy her time, independence, and sleep in her own home.

"She now assumes that any person coming near her house is a burglar, she is even suspicious of the postman."

Another victim added: “As a family we have always felt that our home was a place that we all felt safe and secure in, our family home.

“We are all struggling to accept that any individual feels that they have the right to break into our family home and take from it whatever they feel they are entitled to."

Property from one victim remains uncovered, including a pocket watch left to him by his grandfather.

Complex Crime Investigator Bianca Ledbury labelled the offences “extremely upsetting” for those targeted.

She added: "The long-lasting impact burglary causes to those targeted far outweighs the quick financial gain burglars receive.

“Thankfully no one was injured during the incidents, but the reality is that all of Mr Barlow's victims are suffering in different ways in the aftermath of his crimes.”