Man charged with 24 distraction burglaries following Crimewatch appeal

Thomas Hannifin, 23, of no fixed abode, was arrested in March by officers from the Herts Police specialist team Operation Manhunt, which is dedicated to investigating crimes that affect elderly people.

His arrest came about after officers appeared on Crimewatch appealing for information about a series of distraction burglaries that took place across the south east of England between August and October, 2014.

The investigation spanned Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London.

The victims were mainly aged in their 80s and 90s, with one victim aged 94.

In the vast majority of cases, the offenders are alleged to have created a false reason to gain entry to the property to steal, such as investigating a burst pipe, or repairing a water leak.

One such case is alleged to have take place in Kings Langley on October 15.

Hannifin was initially charged with three burglaries which occurred in Barnet, Bramshott and Slough. He was remanded into custody.

On Monday, June 22 he was charged with a further 28 burglaries, of which 24 are distraction burglaries, and one robbery.

He is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday (July 1).