Sunday, February 08, 2009

Preying on the Elderly - Update

Canon Digital IXUS 400 b3b3b3

My sister said on the phone the other day that there was an online article in the local newspaper, saying that the sweet-talking, well-dressed confidence trickster had been caught! This was the result of a 31-year-old's quick thinking.

Yes, the con man who targeted the elderly, in particular women, had for some reason rung the door bell of somebody approximately his own age, and this guy had his wits about him.

After the con man's usual spiel, the intended victim put his hand in the pocket, but did not pull out his wallet; he produced a camera. Then he simply said "Smile", which the trickster did, sitting on the sofa.

So when the police did all that tedious desk work, trying to put all the pieces together they came across this "visit" as well. The 31-year-old's picture was unearthed and the police said "We know him!".

He turned out to be a well-known drug user and petty criminal, but of the non-violent kind. He was considered almost harmless and gentleman-like and was even known to open doors and carrying people's shopping, part of his tricky streak of course.Perhaps he could have made an excellent salesman, but he met his match in the quick-thinking 31-year-old. This man's brain worked much more efficiently than those of octogenarians.

Now somebody rang *his* doorbell; the police. He confessed to it all and is now behind bars awaiting trial.

My sister printed off the article to show our mum, who is currently in hospital with heart trouble. She also brought her the latest photos of her great grandchildren, which my sister had copied from my blog. All of that cheered mother up and might even have steadied her heartbeat a little. We can hope.

8 comments:

CanadianSwiss said...

That's excellent news! The 31-year-old certainly reacted quickly. Very smart. You and your family must be relieved that they caught the guy.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mum being in hospital. I hope she gets out soon.

Matthew Rees said...

Good to see the guy being caught and another reason for always carrying a camera.

Veronica said...

Good news - that the slug was caught; no so good news that your mum is is hospital - i am sure the news and the photos will cheer her up no end.

swenglishexpat said...

CS - My mum enjoyed reading about it. Thanks for your concern. :-)

Matthew - You're right, always carry your camera obscura in your pocket or some other "obscure" place!

Veronica - Just spoken to her, and she said how wonderful the children looked. Every little helps. Thanks.

oreneta said...

Glad they got the guy, and again, thank goodness he was an amiable type...hope your Mom is hanging in there....wish her well.

swenglishexpat said...

Oreneta - Thank you, I'll tell her. She was surprised, but very pleased when I told her the first time about comments I get about her.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that the crook has been caught!

All my best to your mum -hope she gets well soon.

swenglishexpat said...

LadyFi - Thanks. I'll pass it on.