Mother and Daughter Duo Jailed for Preying on Elderly Victims
A ruthless mother and daughter have been jailed for a string of thefts targeting vulnerable seniors on the Isle of Wight. Dionne Clarke, 54, and her daughter Cherelle Clarke, 26, admitted to 13 offences, including stealing cash, handbags, and even a 91-year-old woman’s will.
Snatched £600 Cash and a Will
The pair struck at a Halifax bank in Newport High Street after spotting a 91-year-old woman withdrawing cash. After following her, Dionne snatched a small bag containing £600 and the elderly lady’s will straight from her handbag.
Shoplifting and Fraud Spree
The court heard the pair were no strangers to crime. On September 15, they stole a pensioner’s handbag from a shopping trolley, then used her bank card for their purchases. Their spree also included:
- Burglary at The Salvation Army’s Fellowship House in Ryde – stealing a mobile phone and bus pass
- Snatching a mobile phone from a council volunteer
- Stealing a wallet from a car and fraudulently using the bank card inside
- Shoplifting coffee and cheese from Sainsbury’s
Harsh Sentences Handed Down
Dionne was jailed for two years, with Cherelle locked up for 21 months. Dionne also admitted possession of a class C drug.
PC Mathew Rumsey blasted the pair: “Dionne and Cherelle Clarke preyed upon vulnerable and elderly victims, stealing a large sum of money from one woman. They have shown no remorse for the distress they caused the victims.”
“Their offending began the moment they arrived on the Isle of Wight. They have refused to apologise or reveal the whereabouts of stolen items like the will and money. Hampshire Constabulary will always hunt down those who target the elderly.”
The case highlights the ongoing fight against criminals who exploit the vulnerable in our communities.
