Sham Roofers Target Elderly Couple in Coventry
Police in the West Midlands have named Thomas Connors as a key suspect in a shocking scam targeting vulnerable pensioners. Security cameras caught Connors and an accomplice at the home of an 89-year-old man and his 91-year-old wife in Chapel Fields, Coventry, where they claimed urgent roof repairs were needed.
Conmen Cause Damage Then Demand £1,500
Instead of fixing the roof, the accomplice is believed to have deliberately damaged tiles to justify a hefty £1,500 bill. The distressed elderly woman screamed for help, scaring the con artists away — but not before leaving the couple with a costly repair notice and no money paid.
Connors Linked to Another Scam in Northfield
Police later discovered a man matching Connors’ description had swindled an 85-year-old dementia sufferer in Northfield less than a week later. Again, the “roofers” fled with hundreds of pounds without doing any work.
Public Helped Nail Fraudster; Sidekick Still at Large
After releasing CCTV images on social media, the public identified Connors. Despite his denial, evidence piled up, leading to his guilty plea for fraud and criminal damage in March 2018. On 15 September, the 62-year-old from Lutterworth was jailed for 20 months at Warwick Crown Court.
“Connors had no hesitation in conning those he knew were elderly and vulnerable for his own gain,” said PC Munmohan Sahota. “Deliberately damaging roof tiles to create a fake emergency is even more deplorable.”
“We are grateful to the public for their help. We are still searching for his accomplice and urge anyone who recognises him to come forward.”
If you recognise the accomplice or have information, call police on 101 quoting crime reference 20CV/65129H/18.
