A TEENAGER who preyed on an 83-year-old man, forcing his way into his home and stealing from him on multiple occasions and who robbed another victim at knifepoint in Bromsgrove has been sentenced to a year in custody.
The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also stole from Asda on Market Street in Bromsgrove.
He targeted his elderly victim, entering his house under the guise of working for the council, along with another teen.
They stole items including the man's car, damaging it so badly it was written off.
They returned to the house two more times, forcing entry and stealing more items.
The crimes have been branded "despicable" by police.
While investigations were ongoing into the burglaries, the youth robbed a victim at knifepoint on Birmingham Road in Bromsgrove and stole from Asda in Bromsgrove.
He was sentenced to a year in custody after being found guilty of robbery, theft, possession of an offensive weapon and burglary at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday November 22.
In total the youth was sentenced to an 18-month detention and training order for the burglaries, of which 12 months will be served in custody.
He was also handed a protection from harassment restraining order for 10 years.
DC Jodi Lothian, from the CID priorities team, said: “Burglary causes great stress and upset to victims, but in this situation a man in his eighties has been preyed upon and his vulnerability has been taken advantage of which makes it all the more despicable.”
“While we’re pleased that the boy will face justice for his actions, it’s important to note that the sentence handed to the youth in this case has a strong focus on rehabilitation.
"I hope that this will ensure the boy receives the support he needs to divert his life away from one of crime.”
The elderly man was robbed on March 3, March 12 and March 15 - the knifepoint robbery and Asda theft happened on April 16.
In relation to the incidents on April 16 the boy was found guilty of theft, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was sentenced to a 24-month detention & training order, to run concurrently with the order for the burglaries.
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