THREE men from Winterbourne have been sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison earlier this month after pleading guilty to the distraction burglary of an 84-year-old man.

The men travelled from Winterbourne to Splott in Cardiff on March 12, where they followed the victim home and one of the men engaged him in conversation.

While distracted, the others entered his home and stole his savings.

When the victim later discovered the money was missing, he attempted to withdraw the same sum from the bank, but concerned staff reported the matter to the police.

Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour, Avon and Somerset's force lead on burglary, said: “This was a callous crime committed by offenders in our area who, thanks to our joint work with South Wales Police, are now behind bars.

“It’s clearly had a huge impact on the victim, though, and I hope it acts as a reminder to people to look out for their elderly relatives and neighbours.”