Aimee Haywood-Rutter, of the Lowestoft area, who talked her way into people’s homes then stole from them jailed at Ipswich Crown Court

A woman who talked her way into people’s homes and then stole from them has been jailed for four years.

Aimee Haywood-Rutter, 28, of no fixed address but the Lowestoft area, admitted four home burglary charges and one count of fraud by false representation at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday.

The offences took place in January, July and August.

In January, a victim let her into their house after Hayward-Rutter knocked at the door and said she had crashed her car in icy conditions.

While inside, the homeowner offered to make her a hot drink, but Hayward-Rutter then left quickly after taking the victim’s bag, which contained £400 in cash and bank cards.

In July, at a property in Denmark Road, she stole £80 from a victim after being let inside when she asked for a glass of water.

In August, Hayward-Rutter burgled three properties.

In the first incident, she knocked at a home in Hervey Street, Lowestoft, and asked the victim if she could use their toilet.

The home owner allowed her to enter, inviting her into their kitchen, after which she asked for a glass of water.

After Hayward-Rutter had left, the victim noticed a green wallet had been stolen.

A similar incident involving the thief took place at another home in Denmark Road, when an elderly man let Hayward-Rutter into his property.

She took £45 which was on a table and left.

The third incident was at a home in Minos Road.

She stole money from a victim’s wallet when they were in the bathroom.

In the wake of Hayward-Rutter’s conviction, police reminded residents to be vigilant and to not let unfamiliar people into their homes.

They said to check their identity and, if unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there.