Two men who posed as tree surgeons to defraud elderly and vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds have been jailed.

Mark Thwaites, 40, of Childs Crescent, Swanscombe, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to five years for five counts of fraud by false representation.

He was joined by Marc Orsbourn, 40, of The Terrace, Gravesend, who was handed 18 months in prison for two counts of the same charge.

The duo were part of a group scam, which targeted people aged between 79 and 95, last November by convincing them they were tree surgeons.

Victims were driven or walked to their banks and told to tell staff they wanted to withdraw cash for a present.

The offences took place in Benfleet, Hullbridge and Southend in Essex.

Det Con Rob Lewis, of Basildon CID, who helped support the victims and their families during the probe, thanked them for their bravery and support.

He said: “This has been a protracted investigation with Orsbourn and Thwaites continually denying the offences – meaning the victims have had to endure further court hearings and a trial to get to the case’s conclusion.

“These crimes have had a significant impact on the victims, their health and the repercussions have an effect today.

“Fortunately, a jury were not convinced by the lies of the two men who went into our communities to target its most vulnerable people.

“This case highlights the dangers of posed by cold callers who put leaflets through the letterboxes with the aim of targeting the elderly and vulnerable."

DC Lewis urged residents to look out for elderly friends and relatives and only engage with trusted tradespeople who have been verified and checked.

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