A cowboy builder has been added to the UK's most wanted list after customers were allegedly conned out of thousands.
Crimestoppers added Steven Fidler to its Most Wanted list after punters were fleeced in a series of incidents, spanning from November 2019 to January 2022.
The crime prevention organisation says that Fidler used a host of pseudonyms, including Steve Donohue; Steven and Riley Doherty; and Paddy, Billy, Riley and Simey McGuinley during this time. He is wanted by several police forces across the UK, including West Midlands, Cheshire and Warwickshire, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Crimestoppers says several of those targeted used online bidding sites, and were "contacted by Fidler using various unregistered company names. Others have had him recommended to them."
Crimestoppers said: "Fidler has quoted for the building work for each of the complainants and this has been accepted, with contracts being drawn up either verbally or, in lots of cases, written. Fidler has asked for a large portion of the costs upfront and the complainants have paid thousands of pounds in bank transfers and cash.
"He has then started the work for each complainant, often recommending further work they need doing, and asking for more money. His attendance has been sporadic, frequently making excuses as to non-attendance.
"For the majority of the complainants Fidler has done work to demolish or strip back parts of each house, and has then stopped attending."
Crimestoppers also say that the company names used by Fidler include: Doherty Master Plastering and Building Solutions, Doherty Building Solutions, Elite Roofing and Building Services, Master Build and Fortitude Painting & Decorating Solutions.
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