Father and Son Jailed for Ruthless Roofing Scam Targeting Elderly in Surrey and Sussex
A cold-hearted father and son have been locked up after conning more than 20 elderly and vulnerable residents across Surrey and Sussex in a twisted roofing scam. William Smith, 35, and his son Joseph, 18, finally faced justice following a three-year police hunt.
Shock Scam: Fake Repairs, Sky-High Bills, and Crushing Exploitation
The Smiths ran sham companies, offering tiny repairs before hitting victims with outrageously inflated bills. They strong-armed people into coughing up thousands, netting around £86,000. Police warn the true total could be even worse — with some victims now dead, leaving families devastated and broke.
Their cruel game was simple: quote a small job, then “find” massive unseen damage and demand huge payments. One Goldsworth Park pensioner was quoted £1,730 — then slapped with a staggering £32,000 bill. After paying £13,800, the Smiths disappeared. A proper roofer later fixed the job for just £215.
Another victim in Horsell was told gutter repairs would cost £300. The Smiths then claimed “squirrel damage” and charged nearly £19,000 for botched work that only made matters worse.
Heartless Exploitation of the Most Vulnerable
Joseph Smith’s cruelty took a dark turn when he drove an elderly man with Alzheimer’s to the bank to withdraw £1,250. Messages from Joseph’s phone showed he bragged about exploiting the man and planning more thefts.
Police uncovered photos on the duo’s phones: victims handing over cash and signing cheques. The pair spent their loot on flashy holidays to Dubai and Tenerife, designer gear, and posh watches — living the high life on the backs of their victims.
Justice Served — But The Warning Stands
At Croydon County Court on 3 November, William Smith was jailed for 3 years and 9 months. Joseph got a 20-month suspended sentence, 50 hours of community work, and a rehabilitation order. A 16-year-old accomplice from Pulborough faces sentencing next month.
Judge Ms Recorder S Presland: “The Smiths saw elderly victims as ‘cash cows’, with William Smith as the ‘brains of the operation.’”
Sergeant Ben Marshall: “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 suspecting rogue traders to report immediately to police or Trading Standards. Don’t let these heartless scammers prey on more victims.
