Vile Carer Scam: Woman Targets Vulnerable Pensioners in Brutal Distraction Burglaries
Hopkins Nails Vulnerable Victims Using Fake Carer Act
Melissa Hopkins, 36, shockingly conned her way into a 65-year-old woman’s home in Southwell Road, Wisbech, on April 3 this year. Posing as a carer alongside an accomplice known to the victim, Hopkins fooled the vulnerable woman into letting them in.
Once inside, Hopkins demanded to use the loo, then snuck upstairs without waiting for permission while her partner kept company downstairs. Minutes later, Hopkins came back downstairs and claimed they needed to grab paperwork from their car — but she never returned inside.
£500 Stolen Before Victim Realises What’s Happened
After the pair left, the victim discovered her handbag and purse missing. The purse held several bank cards and £500 cash. The brazen thieves even boldly returned later the same day, chatting casually with the victim — until a genuine carer upstairs spotted them and kicked them out.
Thanks to quick police action, Hopkins was caught on CCTV withdrawing £300 and splashing out £102 at 1 using the stolen bank cards. A further use of the cards was stopped by police cancellations.
Repeat Offender Busted in Norfolk
Police found Hopkins while investigating the Wisbech burglary in August. A search revealed she was also wanted for a similar crime in Bedfordshire. On May 20, Hopkins duped an 87-year-old in Oak Road, Bedford. Carrying bread and milk, she claimed to deliver food to elderly people during COVID-19.
Invited inside, she once again asked to use the toilet, slipped upstairs, and startled the man as she fled, knocking him off balance. She swiped his wallet, unplugged his phone line, and stole personal paperwork before running off.
Forensics matched fingerprints on a window and the loaf of bread to Hopkins, sealing her fate.
Five Years Behind Bars for Ruthless Burglar
Now of Edinburgh Drive, Wisbech, Hopkins admitted two counts of burglary and fraud by false representation at PETERBOROUGH" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Peterborough">Peterborough Crown Court on December 3. She was jailed for five years and three months.
DC Tom Hunt said: “Hopkins has a significant 1 of offending, mostly thefts. She targeted vulnerable people during a difficult national time, exploiting their trust.”
“I urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable friends, 1 or neighbours to know the advice on bogus callers and stay vigilant against distraction burglaries.”
