Burglar who preyed on the elderly jailed for six years

BEHIND BARS: Raymond Cowan

By Rick Lyon

A burglar who preyed on the elderly has been sentenced to more than six years behind bars.

Raymond Cowan, 51, of no fixed address, appeared at Hull Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to three counts of burglary, two counts of theft and assaulting a police officer.

He was handed a sentence of six years and nine months after the court heard of a series of crimes over two days in April in which he targeted elderly and vulnerable people, broke into their homes and took items of value.

On another occasion, Cowan watched as an elderly man withdrew £100 from a cashpoint, then snatched the money from his hands.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bradley, from Humberside Police, said: “Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home. Cowan caused serious distress and upset to vulnerable people in a number of targeted attacks.

“This type of prolific offending will not be tolerated and I’m pleased that Cowan can no longer cause harm to members of our community.

“We would encourage residents to take precautions to ensure their home is as safe as possible, especially as the warmer months have arrived.

“Make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked when you are not in a room. We would also recommend burglar alarms and security lighting and, where appropriate, security doorbells.”