A CONMAN who demanded money from a vulnerable pensioner was caught red-handed after the victim's son came to the rescue - with a doorbell camera.

Rogue trader Tommy Taylor who targeted a 74-year-old in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester was jailed for 26 weeks for fraud when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court this week.

Ring doorbell footage shows Taylor coming to the door more than once as he tries to get money from the pensioner. 

The 31-year-old rogue trader demanded money for roofing work that had never taken place - but the victim's son, and police, remained one step ahead of the conman.

The victim's son installed home cameras to protect his father and this proved vital in ensuring West Mercia Police had the evidence to convict Taylor.

Now senior detectives are urging others to install similar systems to protect their own homes and those of their family.

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DC Simon Lloyd of Proactive CID, based at Worcester Police Station in Castle Street, said:  "I’m pleased to see this verdict and hope this offers some closure and reassurance to the victim and his family. The criminal targeting of vulnerable persons in West Mercia will not be tolerated and we will investigate every avenue to bring those offenders to justice.

"This case is a shining example of how people’s homes can be protected with the use of home security cameras and I am sure the evidence gained played a very large part in the magistrates' verdict."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said the incident happened on November 12 last year when Taylor demanded money for roofing work that had never taken place.

The whole incident was captured on a home security camera due to previous fraudulent visits to the injured party's home.

The security camera was installed by the victim's son due to concerns over his father’s vulnerability.

Taylor of Sandy Lane, Stourprt, was identified by police and was arrested in February. The 31-year-old denied the offence in interview and claimed that he had been sent to the address by other persons whom he believed had completed the work.

The case went to trial yesterday at Worcester Magistrates Court with all evidence being heard.

The magistrates assessed all evidence given to them and gave a verdict that they were satisfied Taylor made false representations, was acting dishonestly, and intended to make a gain for himself or another.
We find you guilty.”

He was further ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge due within 28 days of release.