Carer Conwoman Gets 5 Years for Brazen Burglary Spree on Vulnerable Victims
Melissa Hopkins, 36, has been locked up for over five years after duping elderly victims by pretending to be a carer. The fraudster targeted vulnerable people in their own homes, stealing cash and valuables while posing as a helpful visitor.
Fake ‘Carer’ Tricks 65-Year-Old and Steals £500 Cash
On 3 April this year, Hopkins knocked on the door of a 65-year-old woman in Wisbech, claiming she was a carer. The victim, believing her, let her and an accomplice inside. Hopkins asked to use the toilet, then sneaked upstairs alone.
She soon slipped away, telling the victim they needed paperwork from their car but never returned. After they left, the victim found her handbag and £500 in cash missing. The women came back later, but a genuine carer overheard and told them to leave.
Caught on CCTV Using Stolen Bank Cards in Tesco
The victim’s purse was found dumped on the stairs, sparking a police investigation. Hopkins was caught on CCTV withdrawing £300 and buying £102 worth of goods at Tesco with the stolen cards. Attempts to use the cards again failed after cancellation by police.
Hopkins was arrested in Norfolk in August. Police discovered she was also wanted for a burglary in Bedfordshire.
87-Year-Old Man Targeted with Bread and Milk Ruse
On 20 May, Hopkins knocked on an elderly man’s door in Bedford, carrying bread and milk. Claiming to deliver food during the Covid-19 pandemic, she was let inside. She asked to use the toilet and headed upstairs alone once more.
The man grew suspicious and confronted her, but Hopkins knocked him off-balance and snatched his wallet from his pockets. She fled, leaving the phone line cut and his important documents missing.
Serial Offender Sentenced to Over Five Years
Forensic teams matched Hopkins’ fingerprints to the scene and the bread packaging. Hopkins, from Edinburgh Drive, Wisbech, admitted two counts of burglary and fraud by false representation at Peterborough Crown Court this Thursday (3 December).
She was sentenced to five years and three months behind bars.
“Hopkins targeted vulnerable people during a difficult time for the nation. She abused their trust for personal gain,” said DC Tom Hunt. “We urge the public to be vigilant and spread advice about bogus callers and distraction burglaries.”
Stay alert: Protect elderly friends and family from con artists posing as carers.
