St Helens Thief Jailed Six Years for Targeting Vulnerable

A prolific thief who targeted vulnerable and elderly people in St Helens has been jailed for six years. Francesca Fairhurst, 37 years, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday 22 April.

Fairhurst pleaded guilty to burglary and theft offences. She was also issued with three restraining orders for seven years. These orders prevent her from contacting her victims or entering certain areas in St Helens.

Details of Offences

Late in the evening of 27 April last year, Fairhurst requested £20 from an elderly woman at a house in Parr. The victim, who has poor mobility, feared for her safety and gave £10. Fairhurst then demanded more money and was given another £5 in change.

Fairhurst left the address but returned a short time later. She asked to use the toilet while waiting for a taxi. She then barged her way in, stole the victim’s purse, and ran off. The thief subsequently withdrew £200 from the elderly woman’s bank account.

In another incident on 18 March last year, Fairhurst targeted a vulnerable man using a walking aid on Crab Street. While talking to him, she stole his wallet containing £200 in cash. She then withdrew £380 from his bank account at various locations around St Helens town centre.

Further attempts were made to use the stolen bank card in convenience stores, but these were unsuccessful. Fairhurst also turned up at the victim’s address the next day, shouting and banging on his door to be let in. Fairhurst was arrested and charged with burglary and theft offences.

Police Statement

Detective Constable Eden Swift said: “Fairhurst was extremely callous, targeting vulnerable and elderly victims with mobility issues. In one incidence she approached a vulnerable man under the pretence of being friendly and chatting to him before stealing nearly £600 of his money – she showed no regard for her vulnerable victims.

“Fairhurst will now spend time behind bars, and I hope she reflects on the crimes and understands the distressful impact it has had on her victims.

“I would encourage people to reports any suspicious behaviour so we can take action and we will act on information we receive.

“We also urge the residents to look out for your vulnerable and elderly neighbours and report anything suspicious. In addition, if you know anything about suspected burglary and the sale of stolen goods where you are. We’ll act on all information provided.”

Reporting Information

For advice and protection against burglary, click here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

If you have CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in your area but don’t know if it is linked to a specific offence, you can upload it online for the Operation Castle team here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle

Your footage will be reviewed for potential links to reported offences in your area, and may help us gather evidence to solve burglaries and bring offenders to justice.

You can also report any concerns is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

In an emergency always call 999.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Prolific thief who targeted vulnerable and elderly people in St Helens jailed Source Link https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2026/april-2026/prolific-thief-who-targeted-vulnerable-and-elderly-people-in-st-helens-jailed/

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