Woman jailed for six years after conning old age pensioners

A WOMAN who conned her way into five vulnerable people’s homes to steal personal belongings and money from them has been jailed for six years. 

Toni Machin (33), of no fixed abode, posed as a carer using distraction techniques, in order to gain access to victims’ homes during a thieving spree in Rotherham between September and November 2021.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how two elderly victims were hospitalised due to their health conditions being heightened by Machin’s actions.

All Machin’s victims were housebound pensioners aged 76 and 94 who, mostly, required seven day care assistance. 

She also used two victim’s cards to withdraw money and even phoned a bank pretending to be a daughter of one of the victims in order to use their cards.

Machin admitted the charges and was sentenced to six years in jail for seven counts of burglary and two counts of fraud.

South Yorkshire Police Detective Constable Paul McIntyre, who led the investigation to bring Machin to justice, said she was “callous and calculated” in her pursuit of vulnerable people for financial gain.

“Her actions caused undue stress to her victims and even caused two to end up in hospital. I hope that her sentence brings peace to her victims, and I want to thank them all for the assistance they have provided throughout the investigation.

“We’d like to remind residents that if someone comes to your door and claims to be from an agency or business, check their ID and don’t be afraid to challenge them. Never call the number they may give you to validate who they say they are, always call the number on their website.

“If you have any doubts, don’t allow them into your house. If you have a trusted neighbour ask for assistance and if you feel you are in danger, call 999.”