Three men have pleaded guilty following a spate of burglaries that targeted elderly victims in the Swindon area.

Blerim Rodogoshi, 41, of Summerhill Parade in Dublin, Klodian Ruci, 32, of no fixed abode, London, and 25-year-old Hazret Zmakaj, from Wayfarer Road in London, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on December 1.

Police say the trio were “prolific” burglars who targeted elderly victims’ addresses in the late evening or overnight.

Officers believe one of the group tended to act as a driver and lookout, while the other two would smash or prise open windows to enter properties.

DC Gary Bracey of Wiltshire Police’s Burglary Unit, based at Gablecross Police Station in Swindon, revealed the impact of the crimes on victims.

He said: “The burglaries had a significant impact on their victims, one of whom heard the defendants in the address and saw their silhouettes from her open bedroom door but was too scared to move.

“It is this kind of situation which can have a long-lasting impact on the victim and affect their sense of security and privacy in their own home, a place where they should feel completely safe.”

The defendants were detained by officers in connection with several reported burglaries in Swindon and Cricklade overnight, from July 22 to July 23.

They were stopped in a vehicle travelling eastbound on the M4 and allegedly found with property stolen during these burglaries.

An extensive investigation was carried out by the force’s Burglary Unit, including CCTV analysis, house-to-house enquiries, and forensics.

This linked the defendants to more burglaries across Wiltshire, Thames Valley, and Sussex.

In total, Rodogoshi and Zmakaj were charged with seven burglaries, while Ruci was charged with four.

This includes two burglaries in Cricklade on July 1 and July 23, and two in Swindon on July 22.

DC Bracey added: “The defendants are prolific burglars who deliberately targeted addresses of elderly victims in the late evening or overnight.

“We take burglaries incredibly seriously.

“In line with our priority of reducing the number of burglaries across Wiltshire, we have a dedicated Burglary Unit whose role it is to ensure that burglars are brought to justice before the courts.

“If you have been the victim of a burglary or if you have any information on burglaries, please do not hesitate to contact us either on 101 or through our website.

“If a crime is in progress, always call 999.”

Ruci and Rodogoshi have been remanded in custody following their pleas, while Zmakaj was bailed.