Burglary Scum Paul Ellis Jailed for Preying on Elderly in Canterbury Villages
Serial Burglar Targeted Vulnerable Victims
Paul Ellis, 47, of The Oaks, Hersden, was locked up for six years and one month at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 September 2021. He pleaded guilty to five burglaries and one attempted break-in in villages around Canterbury during June and August 2020.
Ellis stole cash and sentimental valuables from elderly victims, often pretending to be official to get inside their homes.
Deceptive Tricks and Stealing with Callousness
- On 20 June 2020 in Wingham, Ellis raided a property while owners were in the back garden, making off with a purse, wallet, and cash.
- Returning to the same home two months later, he posed as a police officer investigating the first theft.
- On 6 August, Ellis was spotted leaving another Wingham home, but escaped after being confronted—taking a mobile phone with him.
- That same day in Preston, Ellis broke into a nonagenarian’s house, stealing cash and scattering her handbag’s contents across the floor.
More Victims and Jewellery Theft
Ellis exploited the trust of elderly women, masquerading as a fire alarm fitter and council worker to gain access:
- On 11 August, he swiped jewellery including a late husband’s signet ring, an engagement ring, and more from an octogenarian in Faversham.
- Five days later, he stole ornamental plates from a vulnerable woman in her 70s in Sturry after claiming to be council staff.
Arrest and Downfall
Kent Police’s Chief Constable’s Crime Squad used CCTV footage showing Ellis near all the burglary sites and tracked a Citroen van linked to the crimes. Officers spotted the van in Hersden on 18 August and stopped it, arresting Ellis along with co-conspirator Dean Bushell, 35, who later admitted driving Ellis to offences on 6 August. Bushell received a one-year sentence.
PC Adele Tyrer, Kent Police’s lead investigator, said: “Ellis targeted the elderly and those with disabilities, stealing items of great sentimental value. We are determined to protect our most vulnerable. The swift vehicle identification and arrest led to their jailing.”
She added: “I urge all homeowners, especially the elderly, to call police or relatives if anyone suspicious comes to their door. We will hunt down offenders to bring them to justice.”
