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'Most Wanted' fraudster jailed after Crimewatch appeal
A fraudster who travelled across the country to prey on elderly people has been caged for five years following an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.
Mark Rhodes, 25, who committed distraction burglaries at Dagnall Close in Bakewell and at Matlock Green, was arrested in Ipswich on Friday May 1 after his photo appeared in Crimewatch's Most Wanted section.
At Stroud Magistrates Court on Wednesday June 3, Rhodes admitted knocking on doors, claiming to have links to local churches and vicars, and asking for loans varying from 10 to 400.
His other method involved calling at houses claiming to have broken down and asking to use a phone to call for help. He would then distract the householder before stealing cash, bank cards and other similar items.
Rhodes, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to eight distraction burglaries and eight frauds. He later admitted a further 53 offences.
He pleaded guilty to similar offences in Derby, Bakewell, Matlock and Risley, and committed crimes in 17 other police force areas.
Rhodes was sentenced to five years in prison for the burglary offences and three for the fraud offences, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Detective chief inspector Gary Goacher said Rhodes had been difficult to track as he was always on the move.
Mr Goacher said: "This man preyed on elderly, vulnerable people and took advantage of their good nature and generosity.
"He went to considerable lengths to research the areas he visited and people who lived there to make his story sound more plausible."
He added: "We would encourage anyone targeted in this way to contact police and we would also remind homeowners to be on their guard against similar offenders. You should never to allow anyone you don't know into your home unless they have a legitimate reason to be there."
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Weather for Bakewell
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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