Distraction burglar and accomplice jailed after brazen Medway spending spree

A distraction burglar and her accomplice have been jailed after brazenly using their vulnerable victim’s card across Medway.

A woman in her 90s reported her handbag had been taken from her home in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham on 3 September 2026. The homeowner, who is legally blind, had let in someone who she mistook for a neighbour as she asked for water for her dog.

Crimes

After falsely confirming she was the neighbour, Teresa Gaskin took the handbag while her victim was distracted.

Gaskin, 54, of Fisher Street, Maidstone, then returned to her black Vauxhall Astra where Thomas Hutchinson was waiting, before the pair fled the scene.

They attempted to use their victim’s bank card six times over the following two days, twice being declined. In all, they spent more than £160 on petrol and groceries with a further £100 spend denied.

Investigation

After reporting the burglary to officers, enquiries were immediately launched into the circumstances.

Hutchinson, 49, was being tracked through a monitoring tag and analysis confirmed he was outside the victim’s address at 7.30pm the evening of the incident. His onwards movements confirmed he was present whenever the victim’s card was fraudulently used, with CCTV reviews supporting this.

CCTV also showed him and Gaskin leaving his home in Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham together 35 minutes before the burglary took place.

Footage also captured Gaskin and Hutchinson as they tried to use the card, their faces uncovered and wearing the same clothing they were wearing at the time of the theft.

Court

They were arrested at Gaskin’s address on 14 September. Gaskin was charged with burglary, while Hutchinson was charged with handling stolen goods and fraud.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 12 October, Hutchinson and Gaskin pleaded guilty to all offences before being remanded in custody.

At the same court on Monday 19 October, they were each jailed for three years.

Detective Constable Lauren Mewett said:

‘These two took advantage of an elderly person’s vulnerabilities and kind nature, with Gaskin invading her home which should be a place of safety and sanctuary. 'For them to brazenly use her card, as well as Hutchinson being tagged, they had complete disregard for their actions and for the law. 'The strength of our evidence ensured the pair had no option but to admit their crimes. We hope this sentence brings their victim a sense of justice.’