ATM: Library image
A fraudster and thief who targeted pensioners using cash machines in Maidstone and Medway is starting a prison sentence.
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On 17 February 2021, a pensioner used an ATM in Headcorn High Street to check the balance in her bank account. As she was doing this Daniel Baah pressed the keypad on the machine while her card was still inserted.
Baah then walked away leaving the victim with the impression that her bank card had been retained by the cash machine. She spoke to staff at a nearby supermarket who contacted the police.
Investigators identified that shortly after the incident, Baah used the victim’s card to withdraw £500 in two transactions at a local post office.
Two days later, Baah approached a man in his 80s who was using a cash machine in Tonbridge High Street. He told the victim it was not working while pressing some of the buttons.
Baah was able to withdraw £300 in cash before leaving the scene.
The police were alerted and, with the assistance of council CCTV operators, he was arrested in Barden Road. Officers also recovered a jacket containing £1,190 in cash, that Baah had discarded as he was being pursued. Baah, from Plaistow, Greater London was later charged with theft and fraud offences by officers from West Kent CID.
He went on to commit further offences during July 2022 after approaching five separate people using cash machines in Strood, Gravesend and Chatham.
He advised each victim the ATM wasn’t working and, while they were distracted, took money from their accounts. Where he managed to take possession of their bank card, Baah withdrew further cash at other locations.
Officers identified the car Baah was using and on 25 July arrested him on the A2, as he travelled towards London. He was later charged by the Kent Crime Squad with further counts of theft and fraud.
Baah pleaded guilty to eight thefts and 16 frauds at Maidstone Crown Court. On Monday 20 November 2023, the 26-year-old was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Lucy Gentry said:
‘This callous criminal targeted pensioners at cash machines and stole money that most victims could not afford to lose.
‘Baah gave no consideration to the impact the thefts would have on vulnerable people who were distracted and confused when he appeared to be trying to help them. It is only right that he is now serving a prison sentence.’