Bogus police officer burgled homes of elderly victims in Leeds

A BURGLAR who tricked his way into the homes of elderly victims by pretending to be a police officer was branded a 'coward' by a judge.
Kevin Talbot.Kevin Talbot.
Kevin Talbot.

Career criminal Kevin Talbot was jailed for five years, four months over his latest offending spree.

A court heard vulnerable elderly victims were left penniless and living in fear after being targeted by the 52-year-old.

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In one incident an 80-year-old widower in Roundhay, Leeds, had sentimental jewellery stolen, including his late wife’s wedding ring.

Talbot sneaked into the property as the victim was speaking to a water board official.

Callous Talbot then returned to his home a week later claiming to be a police officer who had come to investigate the burglary.

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Leeds Crown Court heard Talbot was disturbed when genuine officers arrived at the house to investigate the crime.

Jailing Talbot, judge Christopher Batty said: “He feels embarrassed and stupid for being conned.

“He feels sad and in shock and he has no one else to share those sentiments with.”

In another offence Talbot tricked his way into an elderly woman’s home in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, as he claimed to be a police officer investigating crimes in the area.

He stole £800 from her handbag before leaving.

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Talbot threw a brick through the window of a house on Scott Green, Gildersome, Leeds, and stole electrical items including an iPad.

Another offence took place in Garforth in which he stole a handbag from the home of a 69-year-old victim.

Talbot, of Whincover Close, Farnley, Leeds, pleaded guilty to five offences of burglary.

He asked for four other burglary offences to be taken into consideration by the court.

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Talbot has served three previous prison sentences for similar offences against the elderly.

He was the subject of West Yorkshire Police appeal to find him in February this year.

Talbot had breached his licence conditions and was wanted for questioning over burglary and theft offences.

Phillip Morris, mitigating, said Talbot committed offences to fund his addiction to drugs.

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Judge Batty told Talbot: “Burglary is a mean and deeply unpleasant offence.

“It involves the invasion of the one place everyone feels entitled to feel safe and secure in.

“It leaves people feeling unsafe, anxious and nervous.

“For the elderly, those feelings are greater.

“They spend much more time in their homes and are often isolated and unable to deal with the impact of these offences.

“You deliberately targeted the elderly. You have done so in the past.

“You do this because you are a coward - because they are much less likely to resist you.”