A man has admitted stealing cash from the home of a vulnerable woman.

Dale David Bool, aged 31 and of Hillcrest Road, Templecombe, Somerset, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on February 21 where he admitted an offence of theft. He will return to court to be sentenced on March 13.

The charge arose out of a police investigation following information that suggested the woman aged in her 70s was being targeted as a victim of theft.

At around 12.30pm on Wednesday, February 5, officers waited outside as Bool attended the address to carry out work as a cleaner. He was stopped on leaving the premises in Sherborne and was found in possession of two £20 bank notes that officers were able to identify as coming from the victim’s property.

Bool was arrested and subsequently charged.

Sergeant Matt Whetham, of Dorset Police, said: “This investigation demonstrated how officers will take a proactive approach to protect vulnerable victims of crime and identify those responsible.

“I am pleased that through our work we were able to link Bool to this offence and bring him before the court.

“I hope this gives victims the confidence to come forward and report matters to us and I would urge anyone else who fears they are being targeted in a similar manner or who has concerns for someone who is vulnerable to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.