A PROLIFIC burglar who preyed on vulnerable pensioners has been made to wear a tag ahead her sentencing hearing.

Gemma Louise Anderson was seen trying door handles on Tuesday before gaining entry to three different homes in Peterlee including one where she entered an elderly woman’s bedroom and stole her purse from her.

Officers attended and identified the 38-year-old as well as linking her to several other similar burglaries in the area.

Anderson, of North View, Easington Lane, was arrested within 24 hours and after an investigation was charged with three burglaries.

The victim’s purse was recovered and returned.

She pleaded guilty to all charges at court on Thursday and is set to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court on April 28.

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In the meantime, she will wear an electronic tag and be subject to a curfew with conditions including not to enter Peterlee.

Temporary Detective Inspector, Darren Wild, said: “Both response officers and detectives worked really hard on this case to make sure Anderson was charged with the string of burglaries she committed and we were really happy to be able to return the victim’s purse.”

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