Woman pleads guilty to bogus Covid charity distraction burglary in Bedford

A woman has pleaded guilty to a distraction burglary, after pretending to be from a charity helping elderly people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On May 20, Melissa Hopkins visited a property in Oak Road, Bedford, and claimed to be from a charity offering elderly and vulnerable people support during the pandemic. She was donating bread and milk to the victim and it was under this pretence she was allowed into the property.

While inside the property, Hopkins made her way upstairs and when the victim followed her she pushed past him knocking him off balance, before searching his pockets and making off with his wallet which contained £200.

The victim also noticed his telephone line had been pulled out and that his will documentation was missing.

Scenes of crime forensic officers carried out an examination of the property and discovered fingerprints left on the window frame in the victim’s bedroom. These matched fingerprints left on the bread wrapper, brought into the property by Hopkins.

Hopkins, 35, of Wisbech, pleaded guilty to burglary with violence on Friday (September 25) at Cambridge Crown Court.

Detective Constable Andy Boston, from Bedfordshire Police’s dedicated burglary team – Operation Maze, said: “I am pleased Hopkins pleaded guilty to this offence, as it is clear she intimidated the victim and preyed on his good nature for her own financial gain and greed.

"Burglaries of this nature have long lasting effects on vulnerable members of the community, and Bedfordshire Police will continue to ensure that people responsible for such crimes will be brought to justice.

“We understand these are uncertain times, so please look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives and talk to them about the dangers of distraction burglaries, and the steps they can follow to verify if someone is from a charity.”

Hopkins is due to be sentenced on the week commencing October 19 and has been remanded in custody.

If you have an unexpected knock on the door never open it to strangers, consider installing a door chain and always keep it on

If unsure of the visitor’s identity always ask for their ID first and telephone the company or charity they are claiming to be from. If you suspect a rogue trader is at your door call 999.