A man has been charged for home improvements fraud after conning 'vulnerable' residents out of £93,500.

Thomas Patrick Sweeney, 43, of Marsh Lane in Bishopstone pleaded guilty to committing "abysmal" unnecessary repairs to the homes of elderly residents in High Wycombe at Aylesbury Crown Court on March 21, 2023.

Sweeney was sentenced to 30 months in prison for fraud, including by grossly overcharging for work.

The court heard that Sweeney found his victims by cold calling at properties around High Wycombe and extracted a total of £93,500 from homeowners by carrying out unnecessary roof and chimney improvements. 

The case was originally brought by Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards against TPS Property Care Ltd, a company for wich Sweeney held sole director and shareholder rights, following a complaint from a victim's family.

Trading Standards employed an expert to inspect Sweeney's improvement works, which were described as "abysmal" and of an "extremely poor standard". 

The court also heard that victims of the home improvement fraud are continuing to experience "severe stress and worry" from ongoing plumbing issues and the costs of remedial work.

Victims also reported "considerable worry and annoyance caused by work not being done correctly and the further financial expense needed to put it right".

Mark Winn, cabinet member for homelessness and regulatory services at Buckinghamshire Council, said the case was "shocking" and showed "vulnerable elderly residents (being) ruthlessly targeted as easy prey".

He added that the council were working to ensure that the fraud victims receive compensation via money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"It's not a case of a genuine builder making a few mistakes, but of a criminal who deliberately defrauded vulnerable residents out of significant sums of money.

"I hope this case acts as a deterrent to any other builder who targets and defrauds residents in this way. The council will pursue you through the courts and ensure you are prosecuted and that victims receive compensation."

Buckinghamshire Council has urged residents not to be afraid or embarrassed about reporting scams or fraud-related incidents. Alongside potentially receiving compensation, these reports could help Trading Standards Officers to prevent future incidents.

Incidents of unwanted cold calling can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens' Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. 

A Stop Cold Calling pack, including 'no cold calling' stickers is also available to residents across Bucks when they contact trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk.