Rogue traders preying on vulnerable and elderly people in Shropshire have been warned they will be caught after a county builder was jailed for ripping off pensioners.

Shropshire Council has made the pledge following the case of William Varey, 32, of Church Street, Ightfield, near Whitchurch.

Yesterday Shrewsbury Crown Court heard he duped victims in Market Drayton by charging thousands of pounds for roofing repairs either of poor quality or not needed.

He attempted to charge almost £15,000 for the work at the three houses. He received £7,000.

Varey, who pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud and three of misleading commercial practices, was branded a ‘menace’ and jailed for two-and-a-half years by Judge Robin Onions.

Today Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council cabinet member for trading standards, said: “This case sends a clear warning that Shropshire Council will not hesitate to take legal action against tradespeople who try to defraud residents.

“We would advise people to never agree to work being done by anyone knocking on your door. Always turn them away and get several quotes from reputable traders before having work carried out.”

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, of West Mercia Police, added: “Rogue traders prey on the most vulnerable in society, conning them out of large sums of money – sometimes their life-savings.

“Furthermore, the work is usually minimal, over-priced and often totally unnecessary in the first place.

“Such people are a scourge. They are unscrupulous and seek to take advantage of vulnerable people, especially the elderly.”

In court yesterday Tony Watkin, prosecuting on behalf of Shropshire Council, said Varey cold-called at three neighbouring houses in Market Drayton in October and November last year.

Without informing them of their cancellation rights, he persuaded the elderly householders, including an 83-year-old disabled man, to enter into contracts for small pieces of work such as pressure washing a roof, but then invented other work he claimed was required.

By Tom Johannsen