Rogue trader jailed after being caught red-handed on doorbell camera
Rogue trader is jailed after being caught red-handed on Ring doorbell camera demanding cash from vulnerable 74-year-old for roofing work that had not been done
- Tommy Taylor, 31, was jailed for 26 weeks and will pay £150 victim surcharge
- Read more: Drug dealer’s former £1.2m mansion complete with disco room
A rogue trader who tried to swindle cash from a vulnerable pensioner was nailed by the victim’s Ring doorbell camera.
Tommy Taylor, 31, targeted the 74-year-old man by demanding money for roofing work which had never been done.
The victim’s son installed a video doorbell on his dad’s home in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, over concerns he was being targeted by fraudsters.
The 31-year-old conman was filmed repeatedly banging on the pensioner’s front door and living room window on November 12, 2022.
The crook was jailed for 26 weeks after doorbell footage was shared with the police and will pay a £150 victim surcharge.
Tommy Taylor, 31, targeted the 74-year-old man but was caught on camera chasing the pensioner for money he didn’t owe
Police are now encouraging others to install video doorbell cameras to prevent other fraudsters targeting them
The crook was jailed for 26 weeks after doorbell footage was shared with the police and will pay a £150 victim surcharge
Video shows the victim open the door and Taylor is heard demanding payment for the non-existent work.
The victim tells him: ‘I’ve paid you.’
Taylor replies: ‘You haven’t mate. I’m the manager. I’m from the thingy, you haven’t paid me.
‘You probably gave the money to someone else. I’m the manager look. I’ve got ID (points to a logo on his fleece).’
The pensioner then says he is going to call the police and Taylor flees, telling the man:
READ MORE: Drug dealer’s former £1.2m mansion complete with disco room, gym and library disguised as a cowshed to hide his criminal fortune is being converted into a family home
‘Well I’ll send the thingy then.’
The pensioner’s son sent the video to West Mercia Police who arrested Taylor at his home in Sandy Lane, Stourport, Worcestershire.
He denied being involved and claimed he had been sent to the address by other people who had completed the work.
Taylor was found guilty of fraud by making false representations, acting dishonestly, and intending to make a gain for himself or another.
He was jailed for 26 weeks and ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge following the trial at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Police are now urging people to install similar systems to protect their own homes and those of their family, particularly if they are elderly.
Detective Constable Simon Lloyd said: ‘I’m pleased to see this verdict and hope this offers some closure and reassurance to the victim and his family.
‘The criminal targeting of vulnerable persons in West Mercia will not be tolerated and we will investigate every avenue to bring those offenders to justice.
‘This case is a shining example of how people’s homes can be protected with the use of home security cameras and I am sure the evidence gained played a very large part in the magistrates’ verdict.’
Source: Read Full Article