A PROLIFIC offender has been jailed after sneaking into a house during broad daylight and stealing £20 while an elderly woman slept.

Kelly Traynor, of Consett, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Durham Crown Court.

She was caught after members of the community where the elderly woman lives spotted the 30-year-old looking through windows and trying door handles.

Traynor entered the property and took £20 from the victim’s purse while she slept but made off when the woman woke and challenged her.

This was Traynor’s third conviction for house burglaries, which allows a judge to hand her an enhanced sentence.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mal Ord, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Traynor is a prolific offender was going around preying on the vulnerable.

“This kind of behaviour is despicable will not be tolerated. Thankfully, the community were looking out for each other in this instance and she was caught."

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own homes and hopefully this sentence will provide some reassurance to those involved.”