Bedford Man Jailed After Targeting Elderly Woman with Dementia

A man from Bedford who posed as a gardener to steal from a vulnerable 95-year-old woman has been jailed for five years.

Edward Biddle, 51, of Muswell Road, Bedford, let himself into the victim’s home in Histon, near Cambridge, on the morning of 18 February. Claiming she owed him £120 for gardening work, he took £60 in cash — despite never having done any work at all.

Biddle then asked the elderly woman, who has dementia, for her bank card and PIN to pay the rest, but she was unable to provide it.

The incident was captured on CCTV, and family members reported him to the police.

Just weeks later, on 20 March, Biddle returned to the victim’s home — but this time was confronted by relatives watching the cameras in real time. A carer alerted police, and Biddle fled. He was later identified from the footage and arrested.

At Peterborough Crown Court on 2 July, Biddle admitted burglary and theft, and a second count of burglary with intent to steal. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Detective Constable Zoe Bramley said:

"Biddle not only let himself into an elderly woman’s home, but also exploited her trust and vulnerability. The fact he came back a second time shows just how cold and callous he is. I’m pleased he’s now behind bars for his cowardly crimes."

Police are urging people to check in with elderly relatives and neighbours and report any signs of rogue traders.

Anyone with concerns can contact police via the website, web chat, or by calling 101. More advice on spotting rogue traders is also available on the force’s official site.