Men jailed after attempted distraction burglaries (From Borehamwood Times)
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John Gallagher and John Kerrigan, of East London, jailed for attempted distraction burglaries in Saddlers Path, Borehamwood
3:13pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Anna Slater
John Gallagher
Men who were caught trying to steal cash from elderly people in distraction burglaries in Borehamwood have been jailed.
John Gallagher, of Ambleside Close, Leyton, and John Kerrigan, of Hyde Close, Romford, both appeared in court earlier this week and pleaded guilty at the start of the trial.
Gallagher first targeted an 88-year-old man and his disabled wife in Watford by pretending he was a plumber – while an accomplice took £150 from their bedroom.
The 41-year-old was eventually arrested with Kerrigan in Borehamwood after knocking on doors in Saddlers Path, Borehamwood, in August.
Suspicious residents called the police, but when officers turned up at the scene Gallagher and Kerrigan drove off in a Ford Transit van.
It eventually stopped at a dead end in Edgwarebury Lane and the two men were arrested.
Gallagher was sentenced to six years and nine months for the attempted distraction burglaries in Borehamwood.
Kerrigan, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted distraction burglary and to driving while disqualified. He was sentenced to four years and three months and disqualified from driving for a year.
The investigation was led by specialist detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s team, Operation Manhunt.
Detective Constable Jill Green from Operation Manhunt, said: "During summing up the Judge commented that the offences were particularly unpleasant and nasty. There was a degree of organising and planning involved in their crimes.
“Unfortunately, there are people who will target the older people in our community as they tend to believe there is a genuine emergency, so let these criminals into their homes.
“These men preyed on vulnerable people. Distraction burglary is a despicable crime where the victims are some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
