Middlesbrough man jailed for £1,500 loft repair scam in Thirsk
He targeted an 84-year-old resident with fake home maintenance advice
A Middlesbrough man who tricked an elderly woman into handing over £1,500 for non-existent loft repairs has been jailed following a North Yorkshire Police investigation.
Patrick William John White, 26, arrived unannounced at the 84-year-old widow’s home in Thirsk on 11 June 2024. Claiming he had been completing work in a neighbour’s loft, he falsely told the resident that her own loft also required urgent repairs.
He demanded £1,500 for the supposed work, refusing her offer to pay by cheque and prompting her to walk to her bank to withdraw the cash.
After spending time inside her home, White left. When the resident later spoke to her neighbour, she learned no builders had visited their property at all. A check of her loft also revealed that no work had been done.
White returned the next day, but this time the resident contacted North Yorkshire Police.
Officers traced a white van seen outside her home to Middlesbrough, linking it to White. He was later identified through an ID procedure.
A chartered surveyor confirmed that not only had no repairs taken place, but no work had been required in the first place.
White was arrested and charged with fraud. On 27 November 2025, he was found guilty after a trial at York Crown Court and was sentenced on 10 December to three years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Quita Readman said:
“This was a cruel, targeted fraud against a vulnerable elderly victim in her own home. White took advantage of her, and at no stage has he shown any remorse for his actions.
“Without the support and bravery of the victim and another witness, we could not have secured this conviction.”
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant against rogue traders who cold-call homes offering unnecessary repairs.
They advise the public to research traders thoroughly, gather multiple quotes, avoid being pressured into quick decisions, and never pay upfront for work.
Neighbours are also encouraged to look out for elderly or vulnerable residents who may be targeted.