A CON artist who worked her way into homes of vulnerable victims – including one in Quinton – by pretending to be a police officer has been jailed for nine years.

Derrol Flynn also admitted carrying out of a number of distraction burglaries while acting as a representative of a private security firm at homes in Edenhall Road as well as other properties across south Birmingham.

The 45-year-old targeted her victims – who were aged between 55 and 98 – between May 26 and June 26 last year, by turning up at their homes uninvited and showing them fake ID cards.

She would claim she was in the neighbourhood due to a recent spate of burglaries and was concerned about their safety and security.

Once inside the house, Flynn would dupe the victims into giving her cash directly or leaving money where she could steal it. Where possible she would also seek to access their bank accounts by requesting their bank cards and the personal identification numbers needed to access them.

One of her final victims was 98-years-old and a carer for her 105-year-old husband who suffered from cancer. The defendant stole between £6,000 and £7,000 from the couple.

Flynn, of Kitts Green Road, Birmingham, was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty on May 8 to three counts of attempted burglary and one of burglary. She was jailed for a total of nine years on Tuesday (May 22).

The houses targeted were in Quinton, Hollywood, Kings Norton, Hall Green, Shard End, Olton, Bourneville and West Heath.

Giovanni D’Alessandro, senior crown prosecutor with West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I would first like to thank the victims for their support in helping us to bring this prolific offender to justice.

“Over a two month period, Derrol Flynn targeted and stole from some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“When arrested, she denied the offences however through electronic evidence the prosecution team was able to prove that the defendant was in the vicinity of these offences at the time they occurred. That and the excellent evidence provided by the victims was crucial to the case.

“We hope this conviction encourages other older people to have belief that we will treat the crimes perpetrated against them with the utmost seriousness and to have the confidence to report them.

“The police and CPS understand the serious nature of these crimes and the consequences that they can have on the victim’s life.

“Targeting someone because they are old or vulnerable makes a crime even more serious, so it is critical that together we bring these people to justice – whether they be strangers, as in this case or indeed carers or family members.”

Halesowen News:

ID Flynn used to attempt to gain access. Photo: West Midlands Police

Investigating officer, PC Alan Reeves from West Midlands Police, said: “These are heinous crimes. Flynn deliberately targeted elderly people and took advantage of their vulnerability and trusting nature. The oldest victim, who is aged 98, lost several thousand pounds.

“The fake ID card she made from a SIM card holder and shoelace was almost laughably crude − but it goes to illustrate how vulnerable Flynn’s victims were, people who were easily confused and often with poor eyesight.

“She has been convicted several times for similar offences and clearly has no regard for the wellbeing of elderly people in our community; to her they are potential easy targets to con money out of.

“These offences caused huge distress and anxiety − in addition to any financial loss − to the victims and the callous nature of her offending is despicable.

“I’m pleased the judge has handed down a lengthy custodial sentence and residents can feel safer in their homes with Flynn behind bars.”

PC Reeves urged residents to be vigilant and always be sceptical of officials − including police, utility company workmen, council staff or health visitors − turning up at homes unexpectedly.

And he encouraged people to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours, friends and relatives to help prevent them falling foul of doorstep hoaxers.

He added: “Genuine police officers will be able to produce a warrant card which includes a photograph. If in any doubt, call police on 101 to confirm the callers are actual officers. Don’t let anyone in unless you’re convinced they’re genuine.

“Please take time to visit elderly neighbours and if you do witness anything suspicious contact the police straight away.”

If someone calls at your door unannounced the advice is:

  • Check to see who it is by using the spy hole if you have one, or look through a front window.

  • Always put the chain on before you open the door. Door chains are available from most DIY stores and High Street outlets for as little as £2.

  • If you don’t know the caller, ask to see their identity card. Check it carefully, and keep the chain on while you do this. Genuine callers won’t mind if you close the door while you check. If in doubt, telephone the organisation to verify they are genuine by using a number from the telephone directory and not a number given to you by the caller.

  • Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property. The best practice is not to let them in.

  • Always make sure any rear or side access doors are locked before opening the front door.