A THIEF who was caught on camera as he stole from a vulnerable Southampton pensioner has been locked up.

Secret cameras were set up inside the 84-year-old's city home after her family became worried she was being targeted by a thief.

William Hunt has now been jailed for 15 months and has received a restraining order with no end date following a theft at the home of the elderly woman.

The 37-year-old of no fixed address, was jailed when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court.

Daily Echo:

He pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a dwelling, which took place in Paynes Road on September 4, where he stole cash from a

purse.

Hunt was identified as the man who carried out the theft after still images from CCTV were published by the Daily Echo.

The court heard that CCTV had been installed in the victims flat at Paynes Road, following concerns raised by her family that cash was going missing from the address.

CCTV captured Hunt entering the victims flat through the back door while the lady was at home.

Upon seeing Hunt walk into her flat, she got up and quickly left in the direction of the warden’s office.

Daily Echo:

Hunt then opened a cabinet and took money out of her purse before running off.

His actions have reportedly had a devastating effect on the victim causing ongoing distress.

PC Matthew Egginton, from the Operation Hawk Team based at Southampton Central Police Station, said: “This was a serious crime targeting an elderly and vulnerable member of our community.

“Hunt’s actions have had a devastating effect on the victim and her family.

“They are now trying to deal with the ongoing distress he has caused.”

Police launched Operation Hawk to crackdown on crime following a spate of burglaries across Southampton and Eastleigh between May and July last year.

Burglars broke into homes, taking keys to cars and bikes and stealing