A fraudster stole thousands of pounds from elderly and vulnerable people by pretending to be a council worker.

Ian Baggs charged victims for bogus work to drains in properties across Sevenoaks.

The 41-year-old, of no fixed address, has now been sent to prison for three years after pleading guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.

The scam saw victims intially contacted by phone or at their doorsteps amid claims the local council would need to send contractors to carry out urgent repairs or remove blockages.

A person would then attend the property later and demand a deposit for parts for the drains

Between January 13 and 16, 2020, victims aged in their 80s and 90s were tricked into handing over bank cards which Baggs would claim to process through a chip and pin machine in a van.

One woman wrote a checque for almost £10,000.

"A council worker will never ask a member of the public for money or any of their bank details, either over the phone or in person..."

He was arrested on April 22, 2020 and an investigation found the cheques were cashed into his own bank account.

CCTV images showed him using the bank cards at shops and cash machines. Phone records also linked his mobile to calls made to the victims' homes.

At court today he pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud by false representation. A further 19 offences, mainly in areas of Sussex and Surry and carried out over January and February 2020, were also taken into consideration.

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Matt Thomas, of West Kent CID, who said: "Baggs was involved in a widespread scam with other criminals, which very deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable victims. The impact of this type of crime cannot be understated; it is simply devastating to those who have not only suffered a significant financial loss but have to also endure the stress and upset of being targeted in such a callous way.

"Whist Baggs is now rightly starting a prison sentence, it is important residents remain vigilant to how offenders like him operate. Remember, a council worker will never ask a member of the public for money or any of their bank details, either over the phone or in person.

"If you receive a suspicious phone call end it immediately. Wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line and then call the police."

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