Kevin Arthur Appleby, 47 and of Wimborne Road in Bournemouth, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 5 January 2021 after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of burglary, fraud and possession of a controlled drug of class A, which took place between October 2019 and Jubne 2020. He was also made the subject of a criminal behaviour order that is in place for 15 years and prohibits him from going door to door knocking for business. He can place a leaflet through the letterbox or door offering his services.

Detective constable Michelle Lawrence, of Dorset Police, said, “Appleby persistently targeted elderly residents and made them believe they needed repair work to be carried out to their houses.

“He was devious in his behaviour and purposefully targeted vulnerable members of our community over a prolonged period of time.

“I am pleased that through our investigation we were able to identify Appleby as the culprit and bring him to justice.

“I would also urge residents to be wary of letting anyone they don’t know into their home as sadly there are always offenders such as Appleby who will take advantage of others.”