A man who took advantage of an elderly woman’s kindness by robbing her in her home has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Sabir Makein, 37, of Park Road West, Bedford, snatched the victim’s gold necklace after forcing his way into her Bedford flat, just minutes after she had made him a cup of tea.
The court heard the 96-year-old offered Makein a drink through her window after seeing him outside the building on a cold day in September last year.
A short while after finishing his tea, Makein tried to force his way into her flat through the front door. She managed to block his entry using her mobility trolley, but Makein ripped the jewellery from her neck before fleeing the scene.
Fortunately, he failed to take the victim’s wedding ring, which was hanging from the necklace, as it fell to the floor during the robbery.
Detectives from Bedfordshire Police’s specialist burglary team, Operation Maze, were able to piece together CCTV footage that showed Makein’s movements leading up to and following the incident.
He was seen using an ATM machine immediately after the crime and detectives were able to trace the bank card used back to him. Given that Makein was previously unknown to police, this evidence proved crucial in identifying him as the perpetrator.
Officers arrested him at his home address on 18 October, and during a search of the property, discovered a coat that matched the one worn in the CCTV footage and the bank card used at the ATM.
Makein pleaded guilty to robbery during an appearance at Luton Crown Court in November and was jailed last week on Friday (10 February).
“This was a despicable offence in which a woman was targeted because of her vulnerabilities,” said Operation Maze’s Detective Constable Andy Boston, who led the investigation.
“The victim believed that she was doing a good deed by offering Makein a cup of tea on a cold morning, which makes the crime even more reprehensible.
“Makein subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal within her home, a place where we should all feel safe. I am relieved that he has been brought to justice for his actions.
“Robbery is traumatic and can leave victims emotionally scarred for a long time afterwards. We will continue to pursue perpetrators and ensure that they face the full force of the law, in order to protect vulnerable people and keep our communities safe.”
Bedfordshire Victim Care Services provides a range of practical and emotional support for victims of all crimes, including robbery, and there is no restriction on how recently the crime occurred in order to use the service.
Call Bedfordshire Victim Care Services on 0800 0282 887 or visit bedfordshirevcs.com.
If you have been a victim or witnessed a crime, please report it online or call the police on 101.
If it’s an emergency or the crime is in progress, always call 999.
