AN elderly woman whose home was targeted by Adrian Sharp and Martin Bradley, jailed for a total of 12 years this week, was so terrified after her ordeal she was forced to move into sheltered accommodation.

Beryl Christian-Brookes was 86 when serial criminals tried to enter her 16th Century cottage in Cutnall Green in January 2004.

Now her son, Wychavon district councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes (pictured), has branded the two, who targeted elderly people across the county, as "scum".

He told the Evening News his mother had only moved into the cottage just before Christmas 2003 after a time spent in respite recovering from an operation on a broken hip.

"One night she heard a knock on the kitchen window," he said.

"She opened a small window nearby and the man outside asked if she could help him as he needed water for his car radiator.

"She said she couldn't help as she couldn't see very well and went to the porch.

"It was then that she heard him pulling at the door and shaking it.

"He asked her again for some water and when she said no he swore at her.

"All the time his accomplice was round the back trying to gain entry."

Mrs Christian-Brookes rang her son and he went straight round there, where he found her in a very distressed state.

"They'd gone but they had removed the Victorian brass door handle from outside.

"After the incident my mother felt desperately vulnerable and decided to sell her house."

Mr Christian-Brookes is now warning householders across Worcestershire to remain vigilant as, despite Sharp's seven-year sentence and Bradley's five years in prison, he believes they could be out in three years or less.

"There should be a system to lock them up indefinitely until they can prove they can make some contribution to society," he added.

"Why should people like my mother have to suffer at their hands.

"They are scum."

Sharp and Bradley, both from Bromsgrove, admitted carrying out seven burglaries together across Worcestershire, while Sharp confessed to a further four on his own between October 2003 and February 2004.

How to beat burglars

NEARLY 240 incidents of criminals trying to con their way into the homes of old or vulnerable people were reported in the region last year.

Last autumn, West Mercia Constabulary launched the Knock Knock campaign to raise awareness in neighbourhoods.

If you have information about such crimes, call 08457 444 888.

Detective Chief Superintendent Albutt said: "Your call could be the missing piece of the jigsaw that we need to bring the people who commit these callous crimes to justice."

How to beat distraction burglars:

Ensure that doors are locked at all times, even when you are at home.

Always put the chain on before you open the door.

Always ask to see an identification card - then ring the company concerned to check that the caller is genuine.

Never let a stranger into your home. Always ask the caller to call back later when you have someone with you if you are still unsure.

Don't keep large amounts of cash at home.