Man, 51, jailed for rogue roof repairs

A 51-year-old man has been jailed after he convinced a vulnerable woman to hand over cash in exchange for roof repairs.

On April 12, 2023, William Patrick Wallace, previously of Greenacres, Leicester, knocked on a door in Beanfield, Corby, alongside an associate, and told the woman who answered that she had damage to her roof.

After offering to repair it for £250, they upped the price to £490 following an inspection of the roof, telling the woman it had a hole in it.

The woman handed over the money and after a short time, Wallace and the other man left in a white van.

When the victim told a family member what had happened, the roof was inspected, and the family realised that there hadn’t been any damage and that Wallace hadn’t attempted any work either.

The incident was reported to Northamptonshire Police and following an investigation, Wallace was arrested and subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.

After pleading guilty to the offence at Northampton Crown Court in July, Wallace returned to the same court last month (September 20) where he was sentenced to ten months in prison.

Lead investigator PC Brad Wilson said: “William Wallace is a prolific offender who has been convicted of similar crimes before and it is clear to see that he has not learnt his lesson.

“Preying on vulnerable people is utterly shameful and I hope Wallace realises that making money in this way is as far away from making an honourable living as it is possible to get.

“If you have been a victim of this kind of offence, please contact us. People like William Wallace are manipulative and well-versed in their criminal craft so do not feel ashamed or embarrassed if you fall foul of such deception. 

“I’m glad Wallace has been handed a prison sentence and I want to reassure the public that we will continue working hard to bring people like him to justice.”

Protect older neighbours and relatives against rogue traders and distraction burglary with this advice:

• The key to preventing a distraction burglary is to keep the front door closed and locked. Once the door is opened, the barrier to keeping them out has gone!
• There’s no need to open the door to unexpected callers – it’s OK to send them away
• Find other ways to speak to callers – through a window or even the letterbox
• Don’t bother to check ID cards – they will be fake if the caller is not who they say they are
• Display a ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker
• Set up passwords with utility companies so you know if they are genuine when they call
• Keep the outside of your property well maintained
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home
• Use a lifeline pendant alarm to call for assistance
• IF YOU’RE NOT SURE, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR

If you would like a free ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker, please email [email protected].