Rochelle Palmer. Pic: Metropolitan Police

A woman from West Croydon has been jailed for 16 months after robbing an 85-year-old man in his retirement residence.

Rochelle Palmer, the 25-year-old of Oakfield Road called at the victim’s flat on Eden Road, Croydon, on 11 December last year. The man let her inside and stole bankcards, two rings and £85 in cash when he left her on her own. Later that day Palmer used the bankcards to withdraw £500 in cash and make purchases totalling £440.

On 21 December, Palmer returned to the victim’s flat pushing the pensioner over when he opened the front door, and stole a further £180. She was linked to the scene by CCTV footage, which shows her withdrawing money and using the victim’s credit card. She was arrested at her home on 26 December.

Investigating officer Detective Constable, Robert Jamieson, said: “This was a cowardly crime, targeting and attacking an 85-year-old man in his own home resulting in the victim losing £1,205 and his rings.

“Palmer initially denied stealing the bank cards, however once shown the overwhelming CCTV and forensic evidence against her she had no option other than to plead guilty to the offences.”