A rogue trader posing as a builder has been sentenced for defrauding vulnerable elderly victims in Gloucester out of approximately £10,000. Dean Croucher, 35, of Beaufort Road, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and two counts of theft at Gloucester Crown Court on June 14.
Between February 2021 and December 2023, Croucher targeted two elderly individuals, charging exorbitant upfront fees for gardening services that were never delivered. One victim, an elderly man suffering from dementia, paid over £6,000 for garden items that never arrived. Additionally, Croucher stole three iPhones from him.
Croucher also exploited a recently widowed elderly woman, charging her £2,240 to clear her garden—nearly three times his original quote—while including payments for skips that were never ordered or utilized.
On July 23, Croucher was sentenced to pay £1,800 in compensation to his victims and complete 200 hours of unpaid community service. He received two restraining orders along with two community orders.
Sergeant Tom Francis from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team noted the challenges in detecting such offenses due to the victims’ vulnerabilities. He praised the efforts of PC Luke Savigar-Jones, who dedicated extensive time to gather evidence and support the victims.
Sergeant Francis emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities: “I commend the victims for coming forward. Often, those targeted by rogue traders may not realize they are being defrauded. I urge anyone concerned about an elderly or vulnerable friend or relative to report it to the police.”