POLICE used a covert camera to gather evidence against a cruel doorstep conman who targeted a pensioner.

Fraudster Levi Lowther, 23, was caught on video as he visited the man’s home in north Cumbria.

He had arrived uninvited and charged hundreds of pounds for work he was not asked to do.

Unbeknown to the criminal, the camera was installed because the victim - a man aged 82 - had previously been a victim of fraud and feared it would happen again.

The tactic paid off.

After admitting his offence, Lowther, of Hospital Road, Annan, jailed for 14 months at Carlisle Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

On April 3, Lowther visited the man at his home in Brampton and said he had done work, which included cleaning external walls.

At no point had he discussed this with the pensioner, the court heard.

The victim was completely unaware it was being done.

There was also no evidence that the work was ever done, the court was told.

The man agreed to have the money ready at a later date.

Lowther came back on April 7, asking for the cash.

The money was never handed over and the victim called police.

Detective Constable Rebecca Fox, the officer overseeing the case, said: “Lowther callously targeted an older and vulnerable person in this fraud.

“We take this type of offence extremely seriously as we know the impact it can have on victims and the worry and fear it causes for both them and their families.

“On this occasion, by using this tactic, we were able to stop this fraud before it got to the point where the victim handed over any money.

“It shows fraud does not have to lead to a loss of money before we act – and also demonstrates how we have a range of methods to stop people who seek to exploit the more vulnerable in society to line their own pockets.

“Cold-calling fraudsters who are thinking of targeting people in Cumbria should take note of this and think again.”

Officers are continuing to ask people to be on their guard when dealing with people calling at the doorstep.

DC Fox added: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind people there are some simple steps they can take to protect themselves against any door-to-door fraud or crime.

“If anyone knocks at your door carrying out door-to-door selling activities, please ensure that they have identification, a contact telephone number for their head office and a registered business or charity number.

"If anyone has any doubts of the credibility of any doorstep seller then they are not to engage with them and politely decline their business.”

Officers would also ask any people with elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours to share the message with them.

It is often the most vulnerable in our society that criminals target.

Anyone with information about any suspicious incidents can contact police on 101.