Police return £23k to woman who was victim of fraud duo
In April 2015, officers from the force’s Operation Manhunt unit began investigating a series of fraud offences against elderly victims in Hemel Hempstead.
A group of men had been reported for approaching the occupants at three addresses, claiming that urgent roof repairs needed to be carried out. In each case, the work was completely unnecessary.
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Thankfully, no money was handed over by any of the victims and two men were arrested in connection with the offences a short time later.
Subsequent enquiries identified a further incident in Aylesbury, where a couple, aged 86 and 84, were defrauded out of £23,000 in a similar roofing scam. Sadly, the husband passed away before the trial.
Edward Mark Connors, 21, from Peeksbrook Lane, Smallfield, and Jimmy Maloney, 27, of no fixed abode. pleaded guilty to the offences at Harrow Crown Court in June and were sentenced to two years in prison.
Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings were launched on the same day and all £23,000 was ordered to be paid back to the victim.
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The victim, whose identity is not being revealed in order to protect her, said: “I was completely astonished when I found out the money was being returned to me.
“I am enormously grateful to the police for the service and support they have given me throughout.”