Conman Burglar Busted After Targeting 94-Year-Old with Fake Police Act
Barry Anderson, 47, left his Gunthorpe home just after 7.30am on February 25 for a short stroll to a 94-year-old victim’s house in Paston. What happened next was pure daylight robbery with a devious twist.
Sweet Talk and Sneaky Swipe
Anderson knocked on the elderly man’s door, claiming the victim owed him around £15 for two bags of “shopping.” He asked for a glass of water. When the man turned to fetch the drink, Anderson let himself inside and pinched £150 in cash from a tin, along with the victim’s mobile phone. The “shopping” he left behind? Just tins from a local food bank.
Fake Coppers Strike Twice
The victim’s daughter called the police. Yet, just the next morning at 10.15am, Anderson struck again. This time, he claimed to be a police officer who had found the man’s missing mobile phone. He warned of counterfeit cash being circulated and suggested the pensioner should check his money.
Tricked by the ruse, the elderly man handed over about £170. Anderson claimed he had equipment outside to verify the notes, then disappeared – never to return.
Caught on CCTV and Locked Up
Police quickly identified Anderson from CCTV footage. With a history of targeting the elderly, including a decade behind bars for violently assaulting an 89-year-old, officers wasted no time. A warrant for his arrest was granted, and Anderson was taken into custody at his home that very night.
Yesterday at Huntingdon Law Court, Anderson was sentenced to four years and two months after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary and impersonating an officer. He stole £320 in cash and a mobile phone.
Detective Constable Lily Deacon said: “Anderson is a predator who is a threat to the elderly. I am pleased we have been able to secure convictions and put him back in prison.”
