Career Criminal Nabbed for Preying on Elderly
Zac Mitchell, 27, from Addlestone, has been jailed for five years and three months after pleading guilty to an alarming spree of burglaries and fraud targeting elderly and vulnerable victims.
Burglary, Fraud, and Money Laundering Land Him in Court
Mitchell admitted to four counts of residential burglary, three fraud charges, and two money laundering offences at Guildford Crown Court. The crimes exposed a disturbing pattern of exploitation.
Strict Criminal Behaviour Order Slaps Down Scammer
Alongside his prison term, Mitchell was slapped with a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) lasting until December 2032. The CBO bans him from cold calling, offering building work without a signed contract, and carrying out any property maintenance without public liability insurance.
Victims Left Feeling Devastated
The probe started in 2021 after reports of burglaries in the community. Investigators uncovered Mitchell charging vulnerable homeowners for unnecessary and overpriced building work. Police arrested him in August 2022 following a thorough evidence-gathering operation.
“Immediately following this incident, I felt foolish and extremely upset. I work as a lawyer and have prosecuted people for similar offences, so I should have spotted the scam. But it all happened so fast, and it made me feel vulnerable in a way I never expected,” one victim said.
Judge Condemns ‘Despicable and Cowardly’ Crimes
Judge Francesca Del Mese slammed Mitchell’s actions, calling them “appalling” and “pernicious,” especially as they targeted people’s homes. “You are an established career criminal who chose shortcuts rather than an honest living,” she told him sternly.
Detective PC Andy McGill, part of the Proactive Priority Crime Team, added: “Mitchell’s repeat offending shows complete disregard for his victims. His callous actions will be felt long after he serves his sentence. We’re pleased he’s going to prison and grateful to the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit for securing the CBO to keep the community safe.”
