A GANG who burgled and robbed elderly victims at remote locations, including some who had dementia, have been jailed for a total of more than 23 years.

Ruben Smith, 33, of no fixed abode, Westley Harcup, 39, of Monksfield Way, Slough and Sarah Belcher, 40, of Brammas Close, also Slough, pleaded guilty to the offences and were jailed at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday.

They had targeted their victims in addresses in Iver, Slough, Windsor and Chalfont St Peter between December 23 last year and January 7 this year.

Weapons were sometimes used during the crimes and one of the victims was viciously attacked.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Katy Lewis, said: “The victims in these offences are all elderly and vulnerable, with some victims suffering from dementia. The victims were targeted by the defendants because of their vulnerability and also because many of the properties were in remote areas.

“All the victims have been in their homes during the offence with some committed in the middle of the night.

“Some of the victims were assaulted or threatened with weapons during the offences, with one of the victims repeatedly punched in the face.

“The offenders stole bank cards, cash, jewellery and a vehicle during the crime series.

“I am pleased that Ruben Smith, Westley Harcup and Sarah Belcher have been sentenced to a significant period in jail for these heinous crimes on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud and one count of robbery, and was jailed for a total of nine and a half years.

Harcup pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, two of burglary and one of fraud, and received 12 years imprisonment.

Belcher pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and was jailed for two years.

They had all been arrested on January 7 this year and charged the following day.