A Harpenden con-man who stole money from elderly and vulnerable people has been jailed for more than three years.

Sean Fury, 32 of Bloomfield Road was arrested for a series of crimes, in which he took cash from vulnerable and elderly people for unfinished and unnecessary work. 

On Friday, March 21 Fury went to the home of an 82-year-old woman in St Albans and told her she needed a tree removing from her garden. She gave him cash and he made off, never returning to carry out the work.  She also later found that cash was missing from her purse, which had been removed when she wasn’t looking.

On the same day Fury went to the home of an 89-year-old woman in St Albans where he claimed he was from the local council and that her trees needed cutting down. The woman said she had no cash but offered to pay by cheque which he refused. He left without any money.

Fury committed similar offences in  Pitstone, Baldock, Welwyn Garden City and Potters Bar involving a 94-year-old woman.

He appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, June 27 and pleaded guilty to two distraction burglaries and four fraud offences.  He was sentenced three years and four months in jail.

Fury’s arrest was following an investigation carried out by Operation Manhunt - Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist unit set up to investigate distraction burglary and other crimes against the elderly.

During sentencing Recorder Patrick Fields said that these were ‘predatory offences against the old and vulnerable’.

He continued: "It’s despicable that someone would go out of their way to target people in this way and it is vitally important we look out for our older relatives and neighbours. If you believe someone may be acting suspiciously around your neighbour’s home, or may be having work done which may not be needed, please contact police immediately so we can attend and investigate."