Bogus policeman jailed for preying on elderly victims in Sheffield

A burglar who conned his way into homes across Sheffeld by pretending to be a policeman or council worker has been jailed for nine years.

Michael Anthony Vincent Brooke, aged 49, tricked his way into homes across the city, with his oldest victim a 98-year-old woman.

Another of his victims was blind.

.He conned his victims into believing that he was a police officer or council worker.

Brooke broke into 16 homes and is believed to have stolen around £5,000 during his crime spree.

He was caught in July when he tried to gain entry to a house in in Brick Street, Crookes but was challenged by the 90-year-old woman who lived there.

She knew a neighbour had been broken into and called the police to raise her suspicions.

Officers caught him around 100 yards away and forensic evidence from a number of crime scenes linked him to the offences.

Brookes pleading guilty to 16 burglaries, two attempted burglaries and one count of going equipped to burgle.

PC Lucy Garside said: “Brooke is a prolific and serial burglar who tricked his way into the homes of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, one of whom is registered blind.

“He exploited these elderly residents, using deception and lies to steal from them in their own homes where they should feel safe.

“Many of his victims had sentimental items taken as well, many of which have never been recovered, which makes his crimes even more appalling.

“These elderly men and women have been left frightened as a result of Brooke’s despicable actions and I am pleased that he is now behind bars.

“I hope this sentence provides some comfort to the victims and their families."

Policeappeal for help to find missing 14-year-old girl from SheffieldSHOCKING VIDEO: CCTV shows axe man smashing bottles in Sheffield shop minutes after brutal attack on copMan fighting for life after car overturns on Sheffield roadPaedophile pensioner jailed for offences in SheffieldVIDEO: South Yorkshire family escapes horror bus crash on holidayYorkshireTV stars discover Egyptian Queen Nefertari's mummified legsGet all the latest Owls statsGet all the latest Blades stats

Download The Star's mobile app now for FREE