A MOTHER and daughter duo preyed on elderly people in a spree of thefts across the Isle of Wight — stealing handbags, phones, wallets and bank cards, which they used to withdraw cash.

They even followed one victim out of a building society and snatched an envelope containing her will, which has yet to be recovered, and £500 cash from her handbag.

Dionne Clarke, 54, and daughter Cherelle Clarke, 26, of Lowtherville Road, Ventnor, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday following their latest offence.

The court heard they targeted a 91-year-old woman at Halifax in Newport High Street on September 27. She was followed out of the building by Dionne Clarke, who stole the cash and will from her bag.

The pair appeared via video link from prison as they had been remanded in custody following the theft — committed while on bail for previous offences, including stealing a 78-year-old woman's handbag at the Co-op in Ryde.

They had previously admitted 13 offences between them, carried out in August and September, including the theft of wallets and handbags, and fraudulently using their victims' cards to withdraw cash.

Dionne Clarke also admitted shoplifting and cannabis possession, on September 15, and Cherelle Clarke admitted burglary, on September 8.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, described their offending as 'a mother and daughter spree of dishonesty.'

Describing the latest theft, at Halifax, she said: "CCTV shows the victim being followed out of the bank by Dionne Clarke as Cherelle walks towards the bus station.

"Dionne caught up with the 91-year-old outside the Vodafone shop where she picked the envelope containing the will and the £500 from her handbag.

"Two men at the Vodafone shop happened to see this and ran after Dionne, along with the elderly victim."

The defendants managed to escape but were later arrested. The victim's will has not been found.

Mrs Smout said: "She has been kept awake at night, afraid that her personal details are just out there."

Presiding magistrate Jayne Watson said: "The totality of your offences invokes a sentencing power outside our ability and, as such, we are committing this for sentencing at the crown court."

The pair will be sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on November 1.

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