Fraudster targeted elderly at ATMs in Watford and Princes Risborough
A man's been sentenced for theft and fraud following incidents across multiple locations, including Watford and Princes Risborough
A prolific fraudster who targeted elderly people at cash machines has been jailed for theft and fraud offences. On Wednesday, 23 October, Shehzada Nawaz, 41, was sentenced to 17 months in prison at Reading Crown Court after pleading guilty to nine counts of theft and eight counts of fraud by false representation.
Nawaz, from Barra Hall Road, Hayes, Greater London, committed his crimes between June and August this year. His victims, aged between 69 and 95, were targeted at ATMs near Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores in various locations, including Watford, Princes Risborough, and other areas such as Hayes, Ilkley, and London.
Nawaz approached his victims under the guise of offering help when they encountered issues at the cash machine. He would claim the machine was faulty, then offer to assist them in resolving the problem. In the process, he would steal their bank cards and persuade them to reveal their PIN numbers, later using the cards to withdraw large sums of money or make transactions. The total amount stolen was approximately £2,200.
Detective Constable Toby Wilson of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) explained Nawaz’s methods: “Nawaz preyed on older members of society and dressed smartly in order to gain their trust. He would often commit two to three offences at the same location on the same day."
The detective also praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies: “The Proactive Economic Crime Team worked with Tesco Bank and the City of London Police to identify Nawaz as the perpetrator of multiple incidents across the country. Their expertise led to his arrest, and he has now been taken off the streets.”
Nawaz was arrested and charged on 7 August.
For advice on how to identify and prevent fraud, the public is encouraged to visit the Stop!Think Fraud website.