Bogus Boiler Repairman Jailed for Preying on Vulnerable Victims in Derby and Stoke-on-Trent
A 24-year-old man who posed as a boiler repair engineer to target elderly and vulnerable homeowners in Derby and Stoke-on-Trent has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
Saqib Ali, of Almond Street, New Normanton, Derby, called at the victims' homes after advertising his services online. Both were identified as vulnerable due to their age, mobility issues, and cognitive impairment.
On 27-03-25, Ali and an accomplice attended a property in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, where the victim requested a simple component replacement. The men began dismantling the boiler, then asked to use the homeowner's phone to access the internet. They left abruptly, claiming to fetch a spare part, but stole hundreds of pounds from inside the phone case.
Two days later, on 29-03-25, Ali and the same associate targeted a second victim in Mickleover, Derby, who needed her boiler servicing. They again asked to use her phone to check a manual, but when she grew suspicious and demanded identification, they claimed to be tired and departed without taking anything.
CCTV footage from both locations, combined with fingerprints left at the scenes, led officers to Ali. A search of his home uncovered cash, multiple mobile phones, paperwork from various bogus companies, and a stolen passport hidden under his pillow.
Ali was charged with burglary, theft, and handling stolen goods. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on 22-01-26.
Temporary Detective Constable Lauren Ferguson said:
βAli preyed on vulnerable victims in order to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. I would like to thank the victims for their co-operation in working with us to ensure Ali was taken off our streets so he canβt target anymore victims.β
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