A COUPLE pretended they were looking for a woman as a ruse to burgle houses, a court heard.

Kevin Adkins and Donna Derrick asked if "Lisa" was at home after opening doors to properties.

Prosecutor Nicolas Cartwright said the couple targeted homes with new PVC doors which could easily be pushed open and did not lock automatically when closed by the occupants.

The pair were arrested after using the trick in Catshill, Bromsgrove, and then tried to give police bogus identities.

Derrick damaged a police cell wall while held in custody and Adkins stole a handbag after tricking his way into another house, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Adkins, aged 24, of Breakback Road, Bromsgrove, was jailed for 33 months.

Barmaid Derrick, 21, of Tolladine Road, Worcester, was given a 150 hour community punishment order.

They both pleaded guilty to attempted burglaries and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Derrick also admitted criminal damage and Adkins theft.

A Kings Norton couple found Adkins in their hall and he made an excuse that he needed water for his car, said Mr Cartwright.

He stole a handbag from a kitchen but police grabbed him at a service station with stolen credit cards still in his hand. The couple then tried doors in the Bromsgrove area -- using the "Lisa" ploy when confronted by occupier, but got away without stealing goods.

Adkins had received seven custodial sentences in the past and Derrick had been before the courts three times.

Graham Henson, for Adkins, said he had been a drug addict who needed to support his habit by stealing. He had remained drug-free while on remand.

Gareth Walters, for Derrick, said she had been under the influence of drugs at the time and living away from home.

She also was now clear of drugs and working in a Worcester pub. But her mother was "watching her like a hawk" in case she reoffended.

Recorder John Price said Derrick had made a real effort to get off drugs and should be given a chance.

He told Adkins he had tried to talk his way into people's homes, which was almost as bad as actually burgling them.