A BURGLAR WHO TARGETED THE HOMES OF ELDERLY WOMEN LIVING ALONE HAS BEEN JAILED.
Wiltshire Police reported that 36-year-old Aaron Winzar would approach women by posing as a legit plumbing service provider.He would then divert their attention while performing a quick, systematic search for cash, according to crime investigator Bianca Ledbury.
His victims ranged in age from 82 to 90 years old.
Winzar, who lives on Gresham Road in Bournemouth, received a prison sentence of four years and eight months at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday.
The sentence related to four burglaries and one attempted break-in in Salisbury.
Ledbury explained that Winzar managed to enter one victim’s home through his work with a legitimate company, but for the others, he lied and devised plausible pretexts for his visits.
"Once he has gained their trust, he would ask the victim to check another part of the property," she said.
He would quickly leave after stealing money, often without the victims realising they had been robbed.
Ms Ledbury noted that Winzar never expressed remorse nor accepted responsibility for his actions, which she described as distressing crimes.
Despite claiming to have changed, Winzar continued to commit burglaries afterward.
Judge Parker described his premeditated deception as "entirely selfish, cynical and bordering on cruel," a sentiment Ms Ledbury agreed with.
She also highlighted the enduring emotional and psychological impact on victims.
"While no-one was physically injured in these incidents, both victims continue to experience the emotional and psychological consequences of his actions," she said.
The court was told that victims often felt embarrassment or shame after the incidents.
To prevent such crimes, Ms Ledbury urged those undertaking repairs or maintenance to carefully vet the service providers.
She recommended requesting identification, fully verifying their credentials before allowing entry, and using online verification services like Check a Trade.
