A distraction burglar from Kings Norton – who targeted elderly victims across the Midlands and beyond – has been jailed by Birmingham Crown Court this week.
John Casey, 52, was sentenced on Monday (4th September) after pleading guilty to 9 distraction burglaries across Birmingham, the Midlands and other parts of the country. He also admitted kidnap and attempted robbery after driving a man (70s) to a cash machine in Ealing, London to withdraw money – Casey left empty handed when the man fought back as he tried to take the money.
Casey stole money and bank cards after gaining access to the homes of vulnerable elderly residents, claiming he was a police office, water board worker or from the council.
After similar burglaries across the country earlier this year, where the offender was regularly referred to as ‘beer-bellied’, it soon became clear that officers from several forces were seeking the same offender, who was using a silver Rover 45 during his crime spree.
Investigations by West Midlands Police identified Casey and he was arrested in July, refusing to comment in police interviews.
Before a judge, and with strong CCTV and DNA evidence against him, Casey pleaded guilty to nine burglaries worth a total of more than £1,800 between 2013 and April this year.
Casey was sentenced to a total of nine years and three months for crimes he committed at various locations, including Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Nottingham, Newcastle-under-Lyme and London.
Detective Constable Kate Watts, from Force CID, said: “This was cruel and calculated deception which targeted vulnerable people in our society.
“They allowed him into their homes believing he was someone they could trust; but he took advantage of this for his own financial gain.
“It was clear from the descriptions we received from victims that this wasn’t a legitimate police officer and thorough investigation work enabled us to identify Casey as the prime suspect.
“We always encourage people to check for identification if somebody knocks on the door to say they’re on official business.
“Check it carefully and phone the organisation they claim to be from. Get a number from the phone book or online – don’t use any number they provide on a card.”