A scam artist who stole thousands of pounds by tricking vulnerable older people into handing over bank cards and personal details has been jailed.

Fraudster Mark Leacock targeted people in their 70s and 80s living in the Sevenoaks area and he could take cash from their accounts and make fraudulent purchases.

The 52-year-old Croydon crook committed the swindles between October and November 2020 by calling his victims and pretending to represent their bank.

They would be told their bank cards had been compromised and would need to be urgently replaced. After the caller obtained their account details, a short time later a "courier" would arrive at their house to whisk away their cards.

It is believed at least five people fell prey to the deception.

During an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate a suspicious vehicle was identified and on November 4 it was stopped by officers on the A21 near Pratt's Bottom.

Leacock, of Starling Close in Croydon, was at the wheel and was arrested. A mobile phone containing details of one of the victims and a text relating to a purported fraud on his account was also seized.

"Crimes like this can often have a devastating effect on victims..."

At Maidstone Crown Court, Leacock pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. Three further fraud-related charges were ordered by the court to lie on file.

On Tuesday he was sentenced to two years and nine months' imprisonment.

DC Mark Newman, from the Volume Fraud Team, said: "Leacock was part of an organised crime group which repeatedly and callously targeted vulnerable and elderly people, to steal thousands of pounds.

"Crimes like this can often have a devastating effect on victims. As well as the financial loss, they are often left emotionally scarred and can lose confidence and the ability to trust and socialise with other people.

"I would like to assure residents we have a dedicated fraud team working relentlessly to detect and bring to justice those who seek to target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."

Two passengers in the car with Leacock when it was stopped were also arrested, but they have faced no charges in connection with the fraud offences.

Following the conviction, DC Newman called on people with elderly friends, relatives or neighbours to continue to help police tackle this type of crime by warning them of the risks of fraud.

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