‘Cold-hearted’ thief jailed for targeting elderly at cash machines

JAILED: Hashim Shariff

By Simon Bristow

A “cold-hearted” thief who preyed on vulnerable and elderly people across Hull has been jailed for 20 months.

Hashim Shariff and his accomplice, Nazmul Kobir, both 29, travelled around the city targeting their victims as they used cash machines.

They approached offering to help as they withdrew money, but while one distracted them the other used the victim’s bank card to withdraw “large sums of money” before the duo left the area, Humberside Police said.

Shariff, of Ford Parks Road, London, was jailed at Hull Crown Court after admitting four counts of theft, four of fraud, and attempted theft. Kobir, of Stanfield Road, Dagenham, admitted his part in the scam and was given a 30-day rehabilitation order and must wear an electronic tag for three months.

Humberside Police Detective Sergeant Andrew Bradley, who led 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 OK to target our residents.”