Revealed: The two conmen jailed for targeting vulnerable Edinburgh OAPs in their own homes

POLICE have unmasked a pair of despicable thieves who tricked their way into the homes of a 91-year-old and a 92-year-old claiming they were testing water pressure.
Abel Diaz and John MacDonaldAbel Diaz and John MacDonald
Abel Diaz and John MacDonald

John MacDonald, 54, and Abel Diaz, 38, stole £2,665 worth of property from Elizabeth Stroud, 92, and £30 from Mary Jewitt, 91, after conning their way into the homes of the two women.

They also targeted Richard Tibbetts, 70, who has multiple sclerosis and is partially blind, stealing £110 from him. The two also took a further £620 from two women aged 54 and 28.

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The offences were committed at various addresses in Edinburgh between June 20, 2019 and July 9, 2019 and the callous crooks were jailed for a total of six years and four months.

Caged conman: John MaDonaldCaged conman: John MaDonald
Caged conman: John MaDonald

At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, judge Lord Boyd jailed MacDonald for three years and four months and Diaz for three years.

And now, Police Scotland has released images of the crooked pair making them instantly recognisable for any future victims they target.

The court heard that the two paired up when Mac-Donald, who is from Essex, came to Scotland to visit relatives. Both men had significant drug addiction and stole to feed their habit.

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MacDonald and Diaz admitted charges of theft, housebreaking and reset.

Behind bars: DiazBehind bars: Diaz
Behind bars: Diaz

MacDonald has convictions dating back 40 years and has spent more than 20 years in jail. Diaz has one previous conviction for theft.

When police searched the flat in Restalrig Road, Edinburgh where the pair were staying they found 20 watches and 80 pieces of jewellery worth about £2,000.

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