He was able to make off with thousands in cash, plus valuables, by posing as a cop
By Victoria Munro

David Kerrigan caught on CCTV (credit: Met Police)

A serial burglar who conned his way into Walthamstow and Leyton homes by pretending to be a police officer has now been jailed.

David Kerrigan, 38, burgled homes in Walthamstow, Leyton and eight other parts of London and was jailed for nine years and ten months at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week.

The court heard he targeted the elderly and vulnerable, showing a fake warrant card and claiming he was investigating after two people were arrested nearby with stolen goods.

Kerrigan told his victims he wanted to check if any of the items had been stolen from their home, sometimes even asking where they kept their valuables to make them easier to rob.

Between April and August last year, he was able to steal around £4,000 in cash, as well as bank cards, jewellery and watches. None of the property was ever recovered.

David Kerrigan (credit: Met Police)

Detective Sergeant Keith Faris from Waltham Forest and Newham police said: “Kerrigan preyed upon the elderly and vulnerable and abused their trust by posing as a plain clothed police officer to walk away with their hard earned money and valuables.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending and we will robustly target and bring to justice those who think they can take advantage of the vulnerable and elderly.

“Once Kerrigan had been caught, he vented his frustration by racially abusing an officer. While police officers appreciate that an unfortunate part of their job is being subject to verbal abuse, racism is never acceptable and we will robustly deal with anyone who racially abuses officers or members of the public.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be vigilant against distraction burglars, who often prey on the elderly and vulnerable. Utilise your spyhole or door chain where possible and always remember to ask for an ID badge or paperwork.”

Local police were investigating several burglaries in Waltham Forest and Newham when they noticed that a number of victims described a man posing as a police officer with the same story.

A look at crimes reported across London revealed the same technique had been used across the city, even as far away as Ealing.

After several local police forces worked together, Kerrigan was finally arrested in August last year and pleaded guilty on 2nd November.

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