Criminals stole debit cards, scamming victims nationwide

A care worker in Lincolnshire was left devastated after losing thousands of pounds to a scam gang. Sarah Croney, 39, was working in a care home when a burglar stole her purse. Moments later, an accomplice called her, posing as a bank official, to trick her into giving away her bank details. Darren Wykes, 46, and George Quinn, 58, both from Coventry, admitted to their roles in the burglaries and the fraud. They were sentenced to prison at Lincoln Crown Court. Wykes received over five years in jail, while Quinn was sentenced to five years. The criminal gang carried out 46 sneak-in burglaries across 13 counties from March 2023 to May 2024. They targeted people in care homes, schools, and other workplaces. Two additional accomplices were given suspended sentences for their involvement. Detective Sergeant Adam Petty described the group as "highly organised". He stated that they took advantage of hardworking people and used various methods to deceive them. Ms. Croney expressed her feelings of embarrassment and heartbreak after the incident. She remarked how the event made her more suspicious of others. However, she felt relief knowing the gang members have been convicted and hoped their sentencing would help other victims as well.