Arrest of man after alleged £270k building scam

Residents complained they paid a combined total of more than £270k for work that was incomplete or never started

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of fraud after seven people complained building work totalling £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.

“Try 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.

“Always get a receipt for a deposit, and for any materials it covers," he added.

“Always try to get recommendations from friends and family and do your research.”

The investigation into the complaints from people in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bedworth, Solihull and Banbury continues.