TWO conmen who burgled the homes of pensioners in York and North Yorkshire have been jailed.

Jimmy Connors, 22, and Joseph Doran, also 22, targeted five homes in York, a house in the village of Welburn and one in Thirsk. The pair, both from Leeds, targeted a further eight homes across the country.

The men posed as officials working on behalf of water and gas companies to gain access to the victims’ homes.

They stole thousands of pounds from their victims, who were all elderly people.

Connors and Doran both pleaded guilty to a total of 15 offences at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday. Connors was sentenced to five years in prison and Doran was jailed for six years.

North Yorkshire Police worked in collaboration with forces in Northumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire to bring the pair to justice.

Detective Constable Fionna McEwan, of York CID, said: “Connors and Doran are two men who worked in an organised way to target vulnerable members of our communities.

“This type of offence is terrible because it erodes the feeling of safety people should have in their own home. We view offences like this very seriously, and we strive to bring those responsible to justice on behalf of the victims and their families.”

Det Con McEwan is now encouraging residents to ask for identification when anyone calls at their home unexpectedly.

She said: “Do not to feel embarrassed about asking them to leave if they are unable to produce verifiable ID.”

Police have also launched the Nominated Neighbour Scheme to help crack down on bogus caller crime.

DC McEwan said: “The idea is for the homeowner to hold up a card to the window or door telling the caller that they do not recognise them and to go to their Nominated Neighbour.

“That neighbour will then check the caller’s identity. A genuine caller will not mind following the instructions on the card and those with a criminal motive will make off very quickly.”

She said any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately.

For more information, visit northyorkshire.police.uk/neighbour, where you can download the Nominated Neighbour card.

To report an offence, phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.