A BURGLAR who ‘preyed’ on a victim by entering his home and claiming he was sent to do gardening work before stealing cash has been sentenced for six years in prison.
Daniel Cocker, 37, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Police said the impact the burglary had on the victim "cannot be underestimated".
Coker entered a property in Craigmoor Avenue in Bournemouth without permission at around 2pm on Monday, September 6, 2021.
He claimed he had been sent by a neighbour to do gardening work and stated he would trim a hedge for £500.
The victim said they did not have that amount of money but went to get £200.
The cash was then placed on some furniture while they phoned a family member.
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Coker remained in the property for a few minutes, but then said he would leave his details for the victim to call him about the work before leaving.
A while later the victim noticed that the money had gone.
CCTV enquiries enabled officers to find out that Coker had left the area in a car.
Ten days later, the vehicle was stopped by officers and Coker was arrested.
He was then linked to the burglary forensically through his fingerprints.
Police Constable Liam Moss, of Dorset Police, said: “The impact a burglary has on a victim cannot be underestimated and we are determined to identify anyone responsible for such crimes.
He added: “It is utterly wrong to prey on a victim in the way Coker did and I hope this case demonstrates that we will do all we can to bring offenders before the courts.”
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