A man and woman who targeted and robbed vulnerable people in their own homes have been sentenced to prison.
Anthony Smith, 42, and Denise Yould, 41, gained the trust of their victims before assaulting them and stealing wallets and mobile phones, according to Humberside Police.
Smith, of Weelsby Street, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, fraud by false representation, theft, and possession of a bladed article at Grimsby Crown Court on 17 November. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Yould, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and fraud by false representation and was sentenced to six years and four months at the same hearing.
Police said Smith had previously been arrested in February for threatening a person with a knife before forcing his way into their home and stealing a bank card and coat. While on bail for that offence, Smith and Yould carried out a second attack on another property, assaulting two victims and threatening them with a hammer before stealing their possessions.
The pair were arrested in March after CCTV footage showed them using stolen bank cards to make purchases in local shops.
Detective Constable Jak Shepherd commented:
“At first glance, some might say Smith and Yould’s exploits were reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, preying on vulnerable people for financial gain. Their crimes were incredibly intrusive, and each time they befriended victims to gain trust before assaulting and robbing them. Nobody should feel unsafe in their own home.”
Thankfully, police confirmed that no victims were seriously injured during the crime spree.
