Rogue Traders Jailed for Exploiting Vulnerable Victims Across Cornwall

Two rogue traders who targeted elderly and vulnerable residents with bogus home improvement scams have been jailed following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team.

Tommy Aaron Chislett, 22, and Shane Lee, 31, both of Wheal Jewel, Redruth, were sentenced to two years in prison each at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The pair had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted theft and two counts of fraud.

The charges stemmed from multiple incidents involving fraudulent roofing and gardening work at the homes of elderly residents, including a man living with dementia who was tricked into purchasing a £3,500 gold bracelet under the pretense of paying for roof repairs.

Pensioner with Dementia Taken on Ordeal

One of the most alarming cases occurred in January 2024, when Chislett and Lee, accompanied by a third labourer, cold-called at the home of a dementia patient in Falmouth. Claiming his roof needed cleaning, they erected ladders and went up to inspect it, before informing the man he needed urgent repairs costing £5,000—all of which had to be paid upfront, without any written quote or paperwork.

When the victim attempted to withdraw money from his bank, staff became suspicious and refused the transaction. Unfazed, the men drove him to another bank branch in a bid to try again. Meanwhile, the bank had contacted the victim’s daughter, who discovered her father was missing and alerted the police.

With banks refusing to release funds, Chislett and Lee took the pensioner to a jewellery shop in Camborne, where he was persuaded to purchase a gold bracelet for £3,500. The men took the bracelet as payment and returned the victim home. Police arrested the pair soon after, but the bracelet was never recovered.

Demands for Cash After Gardening Work

In a separate case dating back to June 2023, Chislett and Lee delivered flyers promoting gardening services around Truro. One homeowner responded and was promptly visited by the pair, who trimmed hedges without offering paperwork or any cancellation terms. They demanded £300 on the spot.

Under pressure, the victim handed over his bank card and PIN, which the men used to withdraw the money from a local supermarket. On returning, they demanded an additional £1,000. Distressed, the victim contacted his father, who attempted a bank transfer—but the bank successfully blocked the payment.

Community Urged to Stay Vigilant

Gary Webster, Trading Standards Group Leader at Cornwall Council, condemned the crimes, saying:

“These incidents are truly shocking examples of how some of the most vulnerable people in our community can be exploited for financial gain.

It is clear that both Chislett and Lee operated solely with the intent of identifying the most vulnerable consumers, with little interest in completing any meaningful work.”

“Thankfully on this occasion the police and Trading Standards were alerted to these incidents; however, we know that there are many more that are not reported. It is vital that communities are vigilant and look out for friends and neighbours and report any suspicious activity.”

Cornwall Council continues to urge residents to be cautious when approached by door-to-door traders, and to report any suspicious behaviour to Citizens Advice or the police.

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image: A screenshot of Chislett and the victim buying the bracelet.