Fraudster faces being deported after targeting pensioners at cash machines in Sunderland city centre

Asisa Kamali distracted vulnerable people at city cash machines with "constant chatter" that confused them enough that she was able to snatch their bank cards and memorise their pin numbers.

The "mean" 47-year-old took a total of £1,700 from victims, who were aged up to their late 80s, while they were out shopping in Sunderland city centre.

She acted with such skill and speed that they believed their cards has been swallowed in the cash machine rather than pocketed by her.

During her crime spree, the fraudster also got a worker at the Premier Inn in the city sacked after she stole £100 in cash when the worker had tried to help her by getting her some change.

Kamali, of no fixed address and is now the subject of a deportation order, admitted five offences of theft, one of fraud and one of burglary of a staff-only area at the hotel.

At Newcastle Crown Court Judge Robert Spragg sentenced her to a total of 15 months behind bars and said the offending, which left the victims out of pocket and anxious, was "mean and unpleasant".

The judge told Kamali, who has previous convictions for dishonesty: "You presented during these offences as a highly skilled fraudster and you showed no scruples as to who you were prepared to target.

"You targeted the old and vulnerable or otherwise kind people who were prepared to help you."

The court heard one victim, an 82-year-old retired doctor lost £800 after Kamali convinced him there was a problem with his card after lurking near him as he used an HSBC bank ATM in January.

She got away with his card and took out the cash, in four separate transactions, within minutes.

The victim told police that as a pensioner he "fights for every penny and lost £800 in a matter of minutes."

Just days later Kamali confused an 84-year-old woman by repeating "you are doing it wrong, you are doing it wrong" as she used a Halifax cash machine then made off with her card.

Another 82-year-old was approached and asked for change so agreed to use her bank card but was distracted by Kamali "repeatedly speaking to her".

Kamali took the card and helped herself to £300 in two withdrawals within minutes.

On January 26 Kamali targeted staff at the Premier Inn, where she went asking for change of a £20 note.

Staff realised £100 had gone only after she left and told police she was "like a magician" in the way she got hold of the cash.

Judge Spragg said the worker had "gone out of her way" to help Kamali and should be "commended", not sacked.

The judge said: "She was just trying to help a member of the public."

The court heard on February 10 Kamali took £300 in two withdrawals after using her "constant chatter" to distract a 65-year-old at an ATM and taking her card.

And on February 24 another woman in her 60s lost £300 from her account in a similar scam.

Steven Reed, defending, said Kamali has shown "genuine remorse" and was in an abusive relationship at the time, was dependant on drugs and has a troubled background.

Mr Reed said Kamali was "exploited by others" and has become drug free while on remand.

PC Steve Stringer, the Northumbria Police officer in charge of the case, said: “The brazen nature of Kamali’s criminality is absolutely deplorable – and I’m sure the public will share in our disgust that somebody would target the most vulnerable people in our society in this way.

“Her actions were cold and heartless, taking advantage of her victims’ friendliness in order to steal their hard-earned cash. I am pleased that the judge has recognised the severity of her actions and handed down a significant custodial sentence.

“Kamali’s conviction follows a significant policing operation which was deployed in Sunderland city centre in order to identify the person responsible.

“Our city centre neighbourhood team actively patrol the streets in order to look out for this type of criminality. What I would ask the public is to be vigilant that criminals such as Kamali often target elderly people, especially those who are alone, in order to secure a quick win.

“Please make sure you and any loved ones are wary if approached by strangers who are keen to accompany you to a cash point, and make sure your personal details are kept safe. If you see anybody acting suspiciously in the city centre, please contact us as soon as possible.”

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