**Serial Burglar Jailed After Targeting Elderly Residents Across Swansea**
A Swansea woman with a long history of deceitful burglaries has once again been imprisoned, after repeatedly conning her way into people’s homes and committing theft. Melanie Morgan, aged 43 and of no fixed abode, has, for over twenty years, employed a variety of ruses to gain access to unsuspecting residents’ properties—only to rob them of valuables once inside.
Details of her latest offence emerged at Swansea Crown Court, where the court heard that Morgan targeted a 79-year-old pensioner in Morriston. Disguising her true intent, Morgan rang the buzzer at the Philadelphia Court flats and, upon being admitted by the trusting resident, claimed she was searching for someone named “Ray”—a name unfamiliar to the occupant. She further exploited the woman’s kindness by requesting a painkiller and a taxi, prompting the victim to tend to her supposed needs.
While the elderly woman was distracted phoning for a cab, Morgan seized the opportunity to steal her purse, then quickly left the scene. It was only later that the pensioner realised her purse was missing and, by then, Morgan had already made several purchases using the stolen bank card, including transactions at a convenience store in Penlan.
Police swiftly intervened by reviewing local CCTV footage, where Morgan was observed taking a taxi from the scene. Subsequently, she was arrested whilst walking along Swansea’s High Street. In response to her arrest on suspicion of burglary, Morgan reportedly told officers, “I don’t do that anymore. I don’t burgle women, only nonce men,” a statement dismissed by the court given her clear pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals.
During police interviews, Morgan denied visiting Philadelphia Court and instead claimed a woman, whose identity she could not provide, had given her the stolen bank card. The court, however, was unimpressed by her explanations, highlighting a consistent and calculated method in her previous offences.
The prosecuting counsel, Alycia Carpanini, described a longstanding pattern of criminal behaviour. Since 2003, Morgan has amassed 16 previous convictions for 38 offences, which include aggravated vehicle taking, shop thefts, and handling stolen goods. Notably, her house burglaries all share the same hallmark of deception—posing as someone in distress, such as claiming to be lost, in need of directions, or that her car had broken down. She has even pretended, in the past, that her child needed to use the toilet to gain entry to homes.
Andrew Evans, representing Morgan, acknowledged her history but noted she had not offended since 2018, before the current incident. He explained that Morgan’s actions were driven by a pressing need to support her substance addiction. Evans added that Morgan expressed a desire to make significant changes in her life, hoping to be a part of her new grandchild’s upbringing—a factor he presented for the court’s consideration.
However, Judge Huw Rees, presiding over the case, expressed his deep concern at the seriousness and persistence of Morgan’s offending. He remarked, “You have a devious streak in you. You only think of yourself.” Characterising her actions as “quite shocking,” Judge Rees warned that continued offending would only result in longer prison sentences.
Morgan entered guilty pleas to charges of burglary and fraud relating to the use of stolen cards. In light of her early admission, she received a one-third reduction in her sentence and was handed a 45-month prison term. As is standard, she will serve up to half of that term behind bars before being released on licence within the community.
The case highlights the risks faced by elderly and vulnerable residents, who can fall prey to manipulative individuals. Regional police and campaigners consistently urge the public to remain vigilant and not allow strangers into their homes, regardless of how plausible or urgent their stories may seem.
Morgan’s repeated offences serve as a reminder of the need for community awareness and robust support for those battling addiction—both to protect potential victims and to help offenders break the cycle of crime. As this case concludes, local authorities will be hoping that Morgan’s time in custody will finally prompt the meaningful change she now claims to seek.