A KIDDERMINSTER man who conned a 100-year-old woman into giving him cash during a distraction burglary has been jailed for four years.
Darren Hemmings, 55, knocked on the centenarian’s door in Halesowen on April 8.
He tricked her to give him cash for a taxi to the hospital.
Hemmings, of Lea Castle Drive, then followed her into her home and the woman gave him money for the return journey.
Just two days later, Hemmings knocked the door of a 77-year-old man living in Pedmore.
He told the victim he needed to use a phone and then followed him into his home. Hemmings distracted the man by asking for items such as a pen and paper and a glass of water.
While the victim went to get the items, Hemmings stole the man’s wallet.
Thanks to good quality CCTV footage from both incidents West Midlands Police arrested Hemmings and he was charged with fraud and burglary.
He admitted to the offences at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to four years in prison at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Investigating officer, Nev Payton, from the Dudley Neighbourhood Crime Team said: “Often we see vulnerable and elderly people targeted during distraction burglaries.
“Hemmings conned two innocent people, feeding them lies and taking advantage of their kindness.
“We were able to link both incidents together thanks to CCTV footage which was vital in identifying Hemmings and bringing him to justice.”
Warning
Following the incidents, police are warning residents about distraction burglary and confidence tricksters.
People should be vigilant of cold callers who use a number of ruses for financial gain.
They often pretend to be from a car agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak.
They may say they need help to leave a note from a neighbour, ask for a drink of water or claim to be unwell.
Another guise they adopt is claiming to be in an emergency situation and need to get home quickly.
And they often work in teams with one doing the distracting and the other ransacking the home.
Advice
Police are urging people to use door viewers to check who is there, put a chain on if they have one and to ask for ID which should be checked with the company or authority before allowing access.
To contact the organisation, use phone numbers from the phone book or online and not one they offer as it could be fake.
For utility departments, call customer services which will know who is operating in which area.
Close the door while checks are carried out and, the police say: ‘If in doubt, keep them out.’
Anyone feeling pressured can tell them to leave and call back when a friend or relative is there.
For utility appointments, a password scheme can be set up.
Anyone feeling threatened or in danger should always call 999.
