URGENT UPDATE: Two burglars who preyed on elderly residents in Blyth, North East England, have been sentenced, following a disturbing series of home invasions. Margaret Brown, 40, and her partner Matthew Thain, 34, exploited the goodwill of vulnerable seniors by posing as window cleaners to gain access to their homes.
On June 10, 2023, the pair approached several elderly homeowners, claiming they could clean windows or perform yard work. In a particularly alarming incident, they targeted an 84-year-old woman, with Thain falsely claiming to be the son of her actual window cleaner. After engaging her in conversation, he entered her kitchen under the guise of filling a bucket, while Brown distracted the homeowner.
Prosecutor Freddie Adams detailed how they moved on to another victim, an 86-year-old woman, who offered Thain £10 to clean her windows and later £20 to cut her grass. Under the pretense of being thirsty, Brown asked for a cup of tea, allowing them both to enter the home. The situation escalated when the elderly woman’s children arrived, prompting Thain to awkwardly claim he was returning an extension cable. Moments later, the woman discovered her purse, containing £130 and other valuables, was missing.
Thanks to the swift actions of the victim’s son, who tracked down the couple nearby, police were alerted and arrested the duo shortly after the incident. They were charged with multiple counts of burglary. On September 15, 2023, Thain received a sentence of three years and six months, while Brown was sentenced to 29 months in prison.
Judge Gavin Doig condemned their actions, stating that Brown sought to take advantage of kind-hearted elderly victims. Despite Brown’s previous record of 20 convictions for various offences, her defense attorney noted that she had maintained good behavior until becoming involved with Thain. Brown is reportedly now drug-free and hopes to relocate upon her release.
This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance among vulnerable populations. As authorities continue to crack down on such crimes, residents are reminded to remain cautious of unsolicited offers for home services, especially from unknown individuals.
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