Burglar jailed after targeting pensioners in Surrey
In court, Lindsey Melvin, who's 33 and from Woodurst in Cambridgeshire admitted two charges of burglary and false representation
A woman has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after admitting to distraction burglaries that targeted elderly victims in Bedfordshire and Surrey.
On 6 February, 33-year-old Lindsey Melvin, from Woodurst approached the home of an 86-year-old man in Haslemere, Surrey, under the guise of a door-to-door salesperson. After being invited into the man’s home, she stole his wallet, which contained £400 in cash and bank cards, while he prepared a drink for her.
Three months later, on 23 May, Melvin gained entry to the home of a 79-year-old man in Langford, Bedfordshire, stealing cash and credit cards. She then used the cards to purchase food, £40 worth of scratchcards, and fast food.
Following these incidents, officers from Bedfordshire and Surrey collaborated to identify Melvin using CCTV and DNA evidence. The investigation revealed DNA traces from a mug in the Surrey burglary and from a drink can in the Bedfordshire case.
At Luton Crown Court, Melvin, now residing on St Ives Road, Woodhurst, Cambridgeshire, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation, and one charge of racially aggravated harassment.
Detective Constable Andy Boston of Bedfordshire Police’s specialist burglary team, Operation Maze, said: “We believe she was coming to the region from the north and deliberately targeting vulnerable, elderly potential victims, so it’s really pleasing that she’s been given this sentence.”
Boston added: “Here in Bedfordshire we have a specialist team focusing on burglary and we would always ask people to report suspicious behaviour. All information helps us build a picture and sometimes, like here, link cases to get a conviction. We would also ask neighbours and relatives to keep checking on potentially vulnerable people.”