Arrest of man after alleged 拢270k building scam
Residents complained they paid a combined total of more than 拢270k for work that was incomplete or never started
- Published
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of fraud after seven people complained building work totalling 拢270,000 was not delivered.
The 66-year-old from the Stratford-upon-Avon area was questioned following reports from residents in Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Oxfordshire.
Complainants told police their projects were incomplete, or had never been started.
Det Sgt Paul Hainsworth from Warwickshire Police urged people planning renovations to take precautions and avoid paying up front.
鈥淭ry to pay by credit or debit card because you might be able to get your money back if something goes wrong," he added.
He also advised paying "as little as possible" if asked for a deposit and for people to buy building materials themselves.
鈥淎lways get a receipt for a deposit, and for any materials it covers," he added.
鈥淎lways try to get recommendations from friends and family and do your research.鈥
The investigation into the complaints from people in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bedworth, Solihull and Banbury continues.
Follow 大象传媒 West Midlands on , and . Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, external