Man charged following burglary of elderly Laverstock couple
He is due to appear in court today (Friday 23rd October).
Last updated 23rd Oct 2020
Gary Cooper, 55 of Odstock Road in Salisbury, has been charged with dwelling burglary and theft after a couple in their 90s were burgled in Laverstock.
A man visited their home on Wednesday (21st) and claimed the pair owed money.
When the victim got his wallet out, a quantity of cash was stolen, before the thief made off in a vehicle.
Officers were able to track the car and subsequently arrested him at an address in Redlynch on the same day.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court this morning.
SECOND CHARGE
Gary Cooper is also facing a charge of burglary and fraud after in incident in Trowbridge.
On October 14th, a debit card was stolen from an address in the town and used to obtain cash and goods.
In relation to this incident, a second man will appear in court this morning.
Jamie Kerley, 31 also of Odstock Road, faces charges of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.
Det Sgt Anthony King, of the Operation Fortitude team, said:
"These charges are an example of the great work being carried out by the Operation Fortitude unit, which has been set up to target offenders who prey on vulnerable people within our communities to commit crime. Distraction burglary can have a devastating effect on vulnerable people and the consequences can be devastating for them and their families. "
If you suspect any suspicious activity or cold calling in your neighbourhood, please call police on 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 to report concerns.