Carmela Giglia, a mother of two, was sentenced on Thursday, April 14, for stealing over £2,000 worth of belongings from her elderly neighbour on July 15 last year.

The 37-year-old was caught on CCTV breaking into her victim’s flat in Cheadle while he was away from home. During the incident, Giglia, who was aware of the presence of Ring cameras, discarded the camera and “threw it in a skip” to evade detection for her theft.

During the burglary, she stole a TV, vacuum cleaner, Xbox with games, and an Alexa, among other belongings. Afterwards, Giglia sold the stolen items at Cash Converters in Longton over several days.

Giglia mentioned in court that she had been struggling with drug addiction during that period, StokeonTrentLive reported. However, Giglia informed the court that she had tested negative for drugs since last year. She also said that she received significant support from her family, including her parents, sister, and children, and she had secured her accommodation.

“My kids’ dad stopped letting me have them and he stopped taking them to school, so I lost my head and went off the rails,” Giglia said in court. “I’m sincerely apologetic to [the victim], and I would say sorry if I could but I can’t because I’m on bail. I wouldn’t do it again if I could turn back time. I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

According to Prosecutor Antony Longworth, Giglia, currently residing in Crewe, admitted to burglary and failing to attend a drugs test on July 25, shortly after her arrest on July 17. Judge Graeme Smith sentenced her to a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. In addition, Giglia was instructed to fulfil a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and pay a £250 fine.

“This offence was particularly serious because it was your neighbour and you quite clearly knew him,” said the judge. “You were filmed and clearly committed the offence. You took his property of significant value.”

The burglary constituted a B1 offence, carrying a potential two-year custodial sentence. Assessing her as having a low risk of reoffending, the judge referred to the probation service report, which suggested that Giglia could benefit from rehabilitation.

Other elderly victims

Instances of elderly individuals falling victim to burglaries, thefts, and fraud are unfortunately not uncommon.

In January, John Smith, aged 30 and residing in Long Lawford, Warwickshire, confessed to burglary and fraud against two elderly individuals on the same day. 

Smith stole cash from a man in his 80s in a distraction burglary in Ash, Kent, then made a run with £900 after a woman paid him for gardening work he never completed last September. He pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, January 23, while his sentencing is scheduled for April 3.

Last month, a man with learning difficulties was neglected and left hungry and cold in his residence after his caregiver stole £30,000 of his funds, spending it on takeaways and gambling.

Rachel Dawes, aged 43, was entrusted with caring for Gary Stewart, aged 60, from 2017 to 2021, aiding him with daily tasks such as shopping, personal hygiene, and meal preparation. Despite her responsibilities, the mother of two with a prior fraud conviction, misused Stewart’s funds for her own gas and electric bills, as well as indulging in takeaways, jewellery, and gambling.

These cases showcase how elderly individuals can benefit from the services provided by security firms like Marengo to prevent burglary and theft. 

These firms offer a range of solutions tailored to enhance home security, such as the installation of robust alarm systems equipped with sensors and cameras, smart locks, security lighting, and even security personnel. Their monitoring services also ensure rapid response to any security breaches, offering round-the-clock protection.