Conmen who posed as gardeners to prey on the elderly have been jailed.

Kenny Hughes, 25 and Neiko Simpson, 22, set up a fake gardening company to target residents in Hertsmere.

The men stole hundreds of pounds and jewellery off their victims, charged extortionate rates for substandard work, demanded PIN codes to debit cards and damaged outbuildings.

The pair did a leaflet drop to homes in Bushey, Borehamwood, and Bishop’s Stortford for fake businesses called Benson’s Tree Services and Lambert’s Tree Services in March and April this year.

Hughes, of Cranfield Park Avenue in Essex was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to burgle at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, October 11.

Simpson of Ravenscourt Drive in Basildon, was sentenced to 15 months for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to burgle to run concurrently.

A 32-year-old man from Basildon is also due to be summoned to court in connection with these offences.

Detective Constable Phil Terry from Operation Manhunt said: “These men deliberately deceived elderly members of the public before stealing from them.

“The impact of these crimes is immense and it has had a detrimental effect on the health of some of the victims.

I’m glad the courts handed them custodial sentences and hope this reassures the public that we will do everything we can to bring callous conmen before the courts.”

“Please don’t feel pressured into buying services from cold callers – it’s always best to get personal recommendation and please look out for your elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours.”

For more information visit www.herts.police.uk.