A father and son duo have been sentenced to prison for running a ruthless roofing scam that exploited vulnerable elderly residents in Surrey and Sussex. William Smith, aged 35, and his son Joseph, aged 18, were convicted after a three-year police investigation into their fraudulent activities.
The Smiths operated sham roofing companies, luring victims with small repair jobs before charging exorbitant fees. They pressured elderly victims into paying thousands of pounds, accumulating approximately £86,000 from over 20 victims. Authorities warn that the true amount lost may be higher, as some victims have since passed away, leaving families in financial distress.
One pensioner from Goldsworth Park was initially quoted £1,730 but was later presented with a staggering £32,000 bill. After paying £13,800, the Smiths disappeared. A legitimate roofer subsequently repaired the damage for just £215. Another victim in Horsell was told gutter repairs would cost £300 but was charged nearly £19,000 for substandard work attributed to fabricated “squirrel damage.”
Joseph Smith’s conduct was particularly callous; he drove an elderly man with Alzheimer’s to a bank to withdraw £1,250. Text messages recovered from Joseph’s phone showed him boasting about plans to exploit more victims. Police also discovered photographs of victims handing over cash and signing cheques. The Smiths spent their ill-gotten gains on luxury holidays to Dubai and Tenerife, designer clothing, and expensive watches, living lavishly at the expense of their victims.
On 3 November at Croydon County Court, William Smith was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison. Joseph Smith received a 20-month suspended sentence, 50 hours of community service, and a rehabilitation order. A 16-year-old accomplice from Pulborough is scheduled for sentencing next month.
Judge Ms Recorder S Presland stated, “The Smiths saw elderly victims as ‘cash cows’, with William Smith as the ‘brains of the operation.’” Sergeant Ben Marshall commented, “The Smiths deliberately targeted the most vulnerable, exploiting their trust purely for greed. Their actions caused enormous financial and emotional harm.”
Surrey Police urge anyone who suspects rogue traders to report them immediately to the police or Trading Standards to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Originally published by UKNIP.
