‘Cold hearted’ thief handed 20-month stint in jail

A ‘cold-hearted’ thief has been handed a 20-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to a number of offences after he targeted vulnerable and elderly people.

Hashim Shariff, aged 29, of Ford Parks Road, London appeared at Hull Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday 20 July after pleading guilty to four counts of theft, four counts of fraud and attempted theft.

Another man involved in the crimes Nazmul Kobir, aged 29 of Stanfield Road, Dagenham also pleaded guilty and was given 30 days rehabilitation and three months wearing a tag.

The duo travelled across Hull targeting vulnerable and elderly victims withdrawing money from cashpoints. 

The pair would approach elderly people posing as genuine and selfless individuals offering to help them with the ATM. Whilst distracting the victim, the other would use the victims bank card to withdraw large sums of money before leaving the area.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Bradley leading the investigation said: “This type of prolific offending will not be tolerated, and I am pleased that Hashim can no longer cause harm to members of our community.

“The actions of Hashim and Nazmul were cold hearted and calculated, people should be allowed to go about their daily business without fear that they may be targeted by criminals.

“Protecting vulnerable people within our community continues to remain a priority for us and we will take action against anyone who thinks it is okay to target our residents.