A “career” thief who conned his way into a vulnerable elderly lady’s home stole cash and a bank card.

Alexander Steine won the trust of his latest victims - including a disabled man - by asking for water and charming his way into their home in Thanet.

The drug-addict - who has 81 convictions - then rifled through their belongings after they went to the kitchen to help him.

Steine, 46, targeted his victims “because they were vulnerable,” prosecutor Shanda McAteer said.

When the conman entered Miss Taylor’s home he sat on her disabled husband’s stairlift and she made him a cup of tea.

But when her back was turned he stole £50 and a bank card, then made off.

He then swiped a mobile phone from his second victim’s living room after they fetched him water.

The three burglaries were carried out at properties in Margate and Broadstairs in July this year, the court heard.

Alex Bennie, mitigating, passed a letter written by Steine to Judge Simon James at Canterbury Crown Court today.

He said his client was remorseful and was focussed to work on his drug addiction.

Steine, of Southwood Road, Ramsgate, admitted three counts of house burglary at a pre-trial-preparation hearing in August.

Sentencing Steine to five years in prison, Judge Simon James said “You have quite clearly become a career criminal.

“Each of the three burglaries are serious, you targeted elderly or disabled victims tricking your way into their homes.”

The court heard Stein was on license following release from prison for burglary at the time of his arrest.

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