A DISTRACTION burglar who was active in Penarth and Cardiff has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Adam Elgifari was caught red-handed when he returned to the scene of an earlier crime to target the same elderly resident.

On Monday, April 27, Adam Elgifari committed a distraction burglary in the Rhiwbina area of Cardiff.

Elgifari presented a false charity sponsorship form and collected money from the victim.

He then asked for a water bottle to be refilled and when this was being done, he entered the property and stole £20 from a wallet before leaving.

Two days later Elgifari attended the same address, again equipped with the empty water bottle and fake charity form.

Unfortunately for him a South Wales Police detective was at the address conducting a follow-up visit with the victim.

As a result Elgifari was arrested and charged with burglary and attempted burglary.

On Monday, May 18, Elgifari, 32, from Canton in Cardiff, was sentenced to a total of three years' imprisonment, at Cardiff Crown Court, for these offences and a similar one committed in Penarth.

Detective Constable Samantha Knowles said: “There are clear indications that not only was Elgifari targetting the same victim on multiple occasions, but there may well be more victims that are unaware that they have been targeted.

"Adam Elgifari may have been operating in the Rhiwbina, Cyncoed and Llanishen areas of Cardiff as well as Penarth, his method was very unusual and may well be recognised by others who have been targeted by him.

"This type of crime is very rare and South Wales Police, along with courts, have sent a clear message of how seriously we take this type of offence. I encourage anyone who has any further information to contact, South Wales Police, Crimestoppers or the Criminal Investigation Department at Rumney Police Station."