Jewellery thief targets elderly by posing as window cleaner
A crafty crook has been found guilty of sneaking into elderly people’s homes to nick their precious jewellery. David Thomas George Hampshire, 28, from Dagenham, admitted four counts of burglary at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday 13 May.
Clean job turns into dirty theft
Hampshire used his job as a window cleaner to earn trust. He convinced victims to let him inside to use the toilet – then made off with valuables. On 21 September 2018, after cleaning windows on Rosedale Road, Hampshire asked to use the loo. The 69-year-old homeowner gave him access upstairs, only to discover her jewellery missing later that same day.
Repeat offender targets trusted victims
Weeks later, on 2 November, Hampshire struck again. Using the same trick, he stole jewellery from homes on Walfrey Gardens and Farmway, where he had previously cleaned windows. The elderly victims only noticed their cherished items were gone shortly after he left.
Police catch the crafty burglar
Following suspicions, Hampshire was arrested the same evening and charged. Later that month, a 70-year-old victim came forward saying her jewellery had vanished in October, naming Hampshire as the suspect. Initially denying all, he flipped to guilty on the trial’s first day thanks to an intensive probe by the Met’s East Area Command Unit.
PC Raheel Sarwar, who led the investigation, said: “Most stolen items weren’t worth much money, but held huge sentimental value to our victims. Hampshire abused their trust and kindness by breaking into their homes. Thanks to our thorough investigation, he had no choice but to admit his guilt. We hope this helps bring closure to those affected by his deceit.”
Sentencing is set for Friday 31 May at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
