Greedy Conman Kevin Appleby Banned from Door-Knocking After Targeting Elderly
Kevin Arthur Appleby, 47, from Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, has been slapped with a tough sentence after racking up a string of burglaries and fraud against vulnerable pensioners. Sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 5 January 2021, Appleby pled guilty to eight charges including burglary, fraud, and possession of a Class A drug. He’s now banned from door-to-door knocking for 15 years—though he can still slip leaflets through your letterbox.
Fake Builder Robs Granny at Her Own Door
On 10 October 2019, an elderly lady on Bingham Road was duped by Appleby posing as a gutter repairman. Claiming he’d fix her gutters for £20, Appleby slipped inside while the victim fetched her purse. Distracting her with questions, he sneaked out the back door and promised to return the next day.
Later, the poor woman discovered £110 cash missing from her purse, plus two Dewalt drills and two model planes stolen from her shed. Police found two of those planes at Appleby’s place when they arrested him just three days later. They also uncovered he was carrying a Class A drug upon arrest.
More Tricks, More Theft – Appleby’s Trail of Deceit
- Between 30 Sept and 21 Oct 2019, Appleby knocked on a Malvern Road house window, claiming flood damage repairs. After snooping around, he helped himself to £100 from the victim’s wallet.
- On 22 October, despite the victim refusing roof repairs, Appleby pressured him into accepting by slashing the price. When he left to fetch supplies, £20 was missing.
- On 24 May 2019, Appleby knocked on an elderly woman’s door in Heathwood Road, asking to access her garden for ‘repairs’. He sneaked into her lounge and later stole cash.
- The very next day in Edgehill Road, Appleby borrowed money from an elderly woman, only to steal £40 in cash, bank cards, and more when he returned asking for water.
- Between 12 and 15 June 2020, during building work in Boscombe, Appleby swiped a large sum of cash from the property.
- He was also sentenced for a burglary dating back to 28 March 2019.
Policing Warns: Be Wary of Strangers Offering Repairs
“Appleby persistently targeted elderly residents and made them believe they needed repair work to be carried out,” said Detective Constable Michelle Lawrence of Dorset Police. “He was devious and deliberately preyed on vulnerable members of our community over a long period.
“Thanks to our investigation, Appleby has been brought to justice. I urge residents to be cautious about letting strangers into their homes—offenders like Appleby will always try to take advantage.”
Beware flash repairmen at the door. Always check credentials before letting anyone inside.
