A THIEF who conned a vulnerable man out of £40,000 has been jailed for four and a half years after committing multiple offences against older people.
42-year-old John McCann, of Naaz Lane, Gloucester, admitted to four counts of fraud committed between 2013 and 2014.
He was described as a “cowardly, conniving conman” by His Honour Judge Cullum, who sentenced him at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, February 20.
The court heard that he stole from a vulnerable 63-year-old after offering to carry out work at his Bristol home.
He admitted to befriending the man before stripping him of his assets and stealing a wallet from his house.
The conman also broke into the home of a couple in their seventies and stole mutliple items including cash, an engagement ring and a wedding ring in April 2016.
He was arrested on Thursday, December 15 after being stopped by officers on the M4 at junction 22.
Detective Constable Alastair Binnie said: “John McCann targeted a vulnerable elderly man, winning his trust and persuading him that he was his friend before fleecing him.
"Not satisfied with this he was also responsible for burgling the home of a couple in their seventies, smashing the patio door and stealing jewellery of great sentimental value."
Avon and Somerset Police have issued the following advice to those with a vulnerable elderly friend, neighbour or relative:
• Check out information about common scams and how to report them on the Action Fraud website and let them know what to look out for.
• Help them to get three quotes from reputable trades people if they need to have work done on their home or garden.
• If you're worried that a vulnerable person is paying over the odds for maintenance work, work that's unnecessary or is carried out to a poor standard, report it to Trading Standards through Citizens' Advice on 03453 04 05 06.
• Help them get to the bank - or with online banking - to encourage them not to keep cash at home.
• Just say hello - pop round for a cuppa and a chat. We know people who have regular contact with a network of friends are less likely to fall victim to scams.
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