Matthew Shipman, 26, of Valley Road, Nottingham, entered his victims' homes under the pretence of selling household goods, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Once inside, the door-to-door salesman would then distract them after finding out where they kept their money.

The court was told he preyed on victims in Kent, Surrey, Dorset and Devon.

Brother's name

His activities first came to light after he visited the home of 84-year-old Pattie Hickman in Tenterden, Kent, in June 2000, and tried to persuade her to buy some of his goods.

He forced his way into her home, stealing �290 in cash.

The court heard that three months later two door-to-door salesmen were stopped in Chesil, Weymouth - one gave his name as Andrew Shipman.

Shortly afterwards the officers received a report that a man had been to the home of 79-year-old Arthur Pitcher, and tried to sell him handkerchiefs.

'Despicable' act

While there he asked for a glass of water, and after he had left Mr Pitcher realised that �30 and other items were missing.

The police officers then went back to the area where they had seen the two salesman and stopped Shipman, who admitted the theft.

When first questioned by police, he had given the name of his brother.

Maidstone Crown Court was told he had admitted four burglaries and asked for another to be taken into consideration.

Jailing him on Monday, Judge Keith Simpson said he had acted "despicably".