A cowboy builder has made the UK's 'most wanted' list in connection with a series of frauds.
Stephen Fidler is wanted by several forces across the UK for allegedly fleecing unsuspecting customers out of thousands of pounds between November 2019 to January 2022.
Independent charity says several of those affected advertised building or decoration projects on online bidding sites, and were "contacted by Fidler using various unregistered company names. Others have had him recommended to them.", Cheshire Live reports.
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 said Fidler employs a host of psuedonyms, including Steve Donohue; Steven and Riley Doherty; and Paddy, Billy, Riley and Simey McGuinley.
Crimestoppers also claims 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.
Anyone with information about Fidler's whereabouts can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
