A Barrow man has been jailed for blackmail after he targeted a pet owner appealing for information on a missing dog on social media.
Brandon Woolveridge, 25, of Melbourne Street, Barrow pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to blackmail and was sentenced to two years and three months.
Woolveridge got the victims number from an online appeal, ringing the victim on September 21 this year asking if they were the owner of a dog called Rufus.
When the victim said yes, Woolveridge made demands over the phone saying “It’s going to cost you £1,000 to get the dog back but how do I know you won’t call the police?”
The victim received a further call from Woolveridge three days later on September 24 and recorded the conversation aware of a similar scam in 2021 and last year and had received similar calls recognising the voice.
Woolveridge demanded £1,000 in return for the missing pet and wanting half the money up front and the rest when the dog was dropped off at the vets.
He refused to send images of the dog saying the victim could take them to the police and then asked how he knew he was going to get the rest of the money from the victim.
He provided her with the bank details, saying he would ring her back after the initial payment and the victim called the police and shared the recording.
Detective Sergeant James Aiston said “Woolveridge was targeting vulnerable pet owners by demanding money for safe return of the pet, knowing fine well he did not have possession of the animal.
“We are thankful for the vigilance and cooperation of the victim in the case who was able to recognise Woolveridge’s voice and make recordings of the calls.
“We understand losing a pet can be really upsetting for people, unfortunately some people like Woolveridge will try and exploit this.”
Police have issued the following advice if you have lost a pet:
- Do not send money or rewards to people without confirming the safe possession of your animal
- Ask for confirmation such as a video call, photographs and full details of the persons who claim to have found your animal.
- If you have any doubts or receive any threats or demands about your pet, please call Cumbria police on 101, in an emergency its 999
