Their hands were covered to conceal their tracks and mask any forensic trace of their presence.

Recorder James Goss told Connors her burglaries were cruel and calculating. He told them: “There’s a huge emotional price to be paid by victims of crimes such as these and that’s what makes these so serious.”

Connors, of Martinet Drive, Thornaby, who operates under a number of aliases including Kathleen Doherty, was given six years behind bars after she admitted conspiracy to burgle. O’Conner, of Henmen Way, Hayes, Middlesex, was given four years.

Det Supt Alan Turner, who led the investigation, said: “This investigation highlights the advantages of Operation Bombay, a regional collaboration of forces to tackle this particular type of crime.

“Both offenders were arrested in Thornaby in Cleveland, shortly after the last reported offence in Walker, Newcastle, during this year, and cash was recovered from that address.

“Following a lengthy and complex investigation by the Op Bombay team similar offences were identified which had taken place over the previous 18 months, which were later admitted by Connors.

“This sort of offending is deplorable and I hope this demonstrates that people taking advantage of the elderly and vulnerable in our communities will not be tolerated and we’ll continue to do all we can to trace those responsible.”

Following her arrest, mother-of-three Connors retraced her steps to show detectives the homes she had targeted. Now her victims will receive a proportion of the cash seized.

Yvonne Taylor, defending Connors, told the court: “On a personal point of view she had a very troubled childhood and that led to her offending.”

Barristers acting for O’Conner, who had previously been jailed for raiding a 63-year-old man’s home and brandishing a metal bar, said he was “ashamed and remorseful” for his actions. He admitted being involved in three of the raids that earned him £6,500.

Two officers involved in the case were given special commendations from Recorder Goss for their “painstaking work”.

He told them: “I appreciate that cases of this kind are very difficult to investigate and require painstaking and patient work. These two officers have undertaken their duties admirably and should be commended for their work.”