Elderly residents in Stechford faced a distressing scam as a conman posed as a pest controller, claiming there was a rat infestation in the area. David Payne, 42, knocked on doors, demanding entry while insisting that the presence of ‘hundreds’ of rats required immediate action. He threatened victims with fines of up to £12,000 if they refused his dubious offers of help.
Payne, who admitted to three counts of burglary, one attempted burglary, and two counts of fraud by false representation, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court on May 9. Recorder Dave Mason KC condemned his actions, particularly the targeting of vulnerable elderly individuals, stating the impact of his crimes was “absolutely terrible.”
On December 16, 2023, Payne approached a disabled elderly woman in Sheldon, dressed in black and claiming to work for a pest control company. After entering her home, he requested £30 to trim some bushes but fled when he noticed a camera. The victim described the incident as deeply distressing.
On Boxing Day, he attempted the same scam at another residence, insisting he had discovered infestations in multiple homes and warning of potential fines. Although this victim refused him entry, Payne continued his deceitful actions. On January 12, he tricked an elderly man into paying £50 for supposed rubbish clearance and rat poison, which he never delivered.
His series of scams came to an end after he attempted to swindle yet another victim for £30 on January 22. With DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene, he was arrested eight days later and admitted to struggling with alcohol and cocaine addictions, attributing his criminal behavior to financial stress from drug debts.
Defending attorney Joseph Keating expressed Payne’s remorse and stated he wished to apologize to each victim. Keating explained that Payne was caring for his sister when he reconnected with a former drug dealer, which exacerbated his financial troubles. While acknowledging the circumstances surrounding his actions, Keating emphasized that they did not justify Payne’s crimes.