Lancashire Constabulary – #OpDefender – Man who targeted elderly residents in Blackburn jailed

A distraction thief targeting elderly Blackburn residents has been sentenced to six years in prison following an investigation by our East Target team.

Ajmal Sattar committed the first offense at around 11am on 6 September at an address on Griffin Street. The 82-year-old resident heard a knock on her front door and when she answered, a man

now known as Sattar, said he was inquiring about a deceased person who used to live on the street. He asked her if he could have a pen and paper to leave a note. The victim found a pen and paper and when she turned back she saw that Sattar was sitting in her chair uninvited. He then asked for a drink and while the victim was distracted, Sattar stole cash from her purse, which was in the living room. Then he excused himself and left.

On September 17, Sattar snuck into the 78-year-old victim’s home in Pendle Drive, Blackburn, and asked that a message be left for a neighbor following a death in his family.

He asked to borrow a pen and paper but only got as far as the hallway before being disturbed by neighbors returning home. He left empty-handed.

On September 22, Sattar used the same distraction technique on a 72-year-old victim at a home in Cutler Close. When the victim went in to get the stationery, Sattar followed her into the house and asked her for a drink. While she was distracted, he stole a purse containing cash and personal belongings.

Sattar was arrested shortly after this offense but did not respond to all questions put to him during the police interview.

Sattar, 52, of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to triple burglary and was jailed at Preston Crown Court last week.

East Target Team PC Mark Bewley said: “Sattar is a callous and cowardly perpetrator who deliberately targeted vulnerable residents.

“I welcome the court’s ruling, which reflects the seriousness and impact of Sattar’s crimes on the communities in which he served.”

As part of #OpDefender, which aims to combat home burglary and is funded by Lancashire Police and Crime Inspector Andrew Snowden, we are out and proactively patrolling areas where a burglary has occurred or is likely to occur based on our data – and check to prevent a crime in the first place.

Mr Snowden said: “Tackling burglary and robbery is a priority of my Lancashire Police and Crime Plan and I fund Op Defender to support police efforts to be proactive against prolific offenders.

“We all have the right to feel safe in our own homes and I want to make sure anyone found guilty of these types of crimes feels the full force of the law, has their day in court and is behind.” grid is coming.

“I am pleased with the results of this case and will continue to support the police in fighting criminals and keeping Lancashire residents safe.”

To report a crime call 101 or do it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/