Thief posing as utility worker sentenced to 54 months in prison after targeting elderly woman
Posted October 28, 2026 1:32 pm.
A man who stole an elderly Richmond woman’s purse after posing as a utility worker to get inside her home has been sentenced to 54 months in prison, the RCMP said Wednesday.
On Dec. 27, 2025, Mounties received a report of the theft involving a senior who had answered her door to the man.
“After gaining entry to the residence under the pretense of conducting an inspection, the suspect entered the victim’s bedroom,” police said.
“Shortly after he left, it was discovered that the victim’s purse had been stolen.”
The Richmond RCMP says it shared surveillance footage of the suspect with other police departments around the Lower Mainland. It was determined that there were similarities between this incident and other theft and fraud investigations around the region.
Police say they were able to identify the suspect as Donald Quinnell, who was then charged and convicted of offences that include break and enter and fraud.
He was convicted and sentenced to 54 months in prison, Mounties say.
“Richmond RCMP reminds residents to remain vigilant when unknown individuals request access to their homes,” police said.
“If someone claims to represent a utility company or service provider, residents should ask for identification and independently verify the person’s credentials before allowing entry.”
