Man posed as gardener to steal from 95-year-old Histon woman with dementia

A “cold and callous” man who posed as a gardener to steal from a 95-year-old Histon woman with dementia has been jailed.

Edward Biddle, 51, let himself into the victim’s home on 18 February, claiming he was a gardener.

He said the victim owed him £120 for work and took £60 in cash despite not having done any.

Biddle also asked the victim for her bank card and PIN number so she could pay the rest of the money, but she did not know the PIN.

CCTV cameras captured the exchange and the victim’s family reported Biddle to the police.

Biddle let himself into the victim’s home again on 20 March, but this time was confronted by family members.

They had spotted him on CCTV and alerted a carer, who phoned the police.

Biddle swiftly left but was later arrested after police identified him from the CCTV footage.

Biddle, of Muswell Road, Bedford, was jailed for five years at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday (2 July) after admitting one count of burglary and theft, and one count of burglary with intent to steal.

Det Con Zoe Bramley, who investigated, said: “Biddle not only let himself into an elderly woman’s home, but also exploited her trust and vulnerability by taking her money for work he hadn’t done.

“The fact he came back a second time just shows how cold and callous he is. I’m pleased he’s now behind bars for his cowardly crimes.

“We’re doing all we can to put people who target the vulnerable behind bars, however, I would urge members of the public to check in with elderly relatives or neighbours to make them aware of rogue traders, and to report any concerns to us.”