Scam Builder Update
Following the report in HIP 212 Ore builder scams multiple victims, a further case in Scott Saxby’s standard pattern of taking a hefty deposit, then failing to deliver, has come to light. Alfred, an 85-year-old described by his son as elderly and vulnerable, was induced by Saxby to advance a deposit of £5,000 for a prospective roofing project. The project did not proceed; the deposit was not returned.
Neither the police nor trading standards officers were willing to take any action.
Despite the multiplicity of cases reported to them, Sussex Police remain unmoved, and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has also distanced herself. A statement issued from her office to HIP last week reads: “Whilst all of us would of course share the frustration and dismay that commercial arrangements have not been fulfilled, Katy cannot provide an official response about the specific case you mention if police have advised that at this point in time this is a civil matter”.
The East Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service has taken details of the multiple cases, but has not (at the time of going to press) reported any action being taken.
Jo and Freddie – named in the original HIP report as the householders suffering the highest loss – are due to meet with Hastings & Rye MP Sally Ann Hart today (Friday) to raise a complaint at the lack of response from both the police and trading standards.
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