Serial distraction burglar jailed

David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown

A distraction burglar who preyed on elderly women, including a 101 year-old from Thame, has been sentenced at Harrow Crown Court.

David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown, aged 36, from Wellow Road, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to seven offences across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley. All of the offences happened between June and July this year (2016).

Kerrigan’s tactics included telling victims that he was carrying out security checks following a spate of robberies and thefts. He asked victims where their valuables were so he could check them, before making off with jewellery and cash. On other occassions he said that a neighbour had problems with their water and that he needed to come in and check the valves on the radiators. He made the victim clear out the cupboards under the sink and turn on the taps while he walked around the property.

On June 10, a 90-year-old woman was targeted at her home in Luton, Bedfordshire, where she woke to find Kerrigan in her bedroom. After he left, she found her flat had been ransacked and cash and jewellery had been taken.

The burglary series was investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Manhunt unit and a search for Kerrigan was launched. An appeal to trace him was also featured on BBC’s Crimewatch programme in September. He was later arrested in Nottingham on September 21.

Detective Constable Sam Casey, from Operation Manhunt, said: “David Kerrigan preyed on elderly, vulnerable women in their own homes and his despicable actions have had a devastating effect on his victims and their families. Sadly, one of his victims has since passed away and was never able to recover from her ordeal.

“I hope today’s sentence can at least provide some small comfort to everyone who has been affected by Kerrigan’s callous behaviour.

“The majority of the jewellery stolen from victims has not yet been recovered and I am appealing for any jewellers or pawn shops that may have been sold items by David Kerrigan to please get in touch on the non-emergency number 101.”