Father and Son Jailed for Ruthless Roofing Scam Targeting Elderly in Surrey and Sussex
A heartless father and son have been thrown behind bars for conning over 20 vulnerable elderly residents across Surrey and Sussex in a cold roofing scam. William Smith, 35, and his son Joseph, 18, were finally caught and convicted after a three-year police hunt.
Shock Scam: Fake Repairs, Sky-High Bills, and Ruthless Exploitation
The Smiths ran sham roofing companies, baiting victims with tiny repairs before slapping on sky-high bills. They strong-armed elderly victims into coughing up thousands, raking in around £86,000. Police warn the real figure could be far worse, with some victims now dead, leaving grieving families broke.
- One pensioner from Goldsworth Park was quoted £1,730 but faced a staggering £32,000 bill. After paying £13,800, the Smiths vanished. A proper roofer later fixed the issues for just £215.
- Another victim in Horsell was told gutter repairs would cost £300 but was charged nearly £19,000 for botched work blamed on fake “squirrel damage.”
Dark Deeds: Exploiting the Elderly and Vulnerable
Joseph Smith’s cruelty hit new lows when he drove an elderly man with Alzheimer’s to the bank to withdraw £1,250. Text messages from Joseph’s phone revealed boastful plans to exploit more victims.
Police found photos of victims handing over cash and signing cheques. The Smiths blew their ill-gotten gains on flashy holidays to Dubai and Tenerife, designer clothes, and posh watches — living large off their victims’ misery.
Justice Served — But the Warning Remains
On 3 November at Croydon County Court, William Smith was jailed for 3 years and 9 months. Joseph got 20 months suspended, 50 hours of community service, and a rehabilitation order. A 16-year-old accomplice from Pulborough is due for 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 them immediately to police or Trading Standards. Don’t let these heartless scammers prey on more victims.
