Father and son fraudsters conned pensioners out of savings

Dec 13 2009 Sunday Sun

He said: “As far as we are concerned these two were remorseless for these crimes which were nasty and cruel.

“The two men targeted vulnerable and elderly people who are unable to defend themselves and have difficulties providing evidence to the police.”

When Reynolds snr, 58, and his 19-year-old son were interviewed by specialist detectives the pair claimed they still planned to carry out the work.

But when they appeared before a judge at Teesside Crown Court this week, they were handed jail time for the sophisticated operation.

The pair pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and money laundering.

Reynolds snr was sentenced to 12 months in prison, and Reynolds Jnr was told he would serve two years detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Last night Det Insp Dave Wolfe said his 10-strong unit of detectives had been tracking the pair for a prolonged period of time as they committed offences across a number of police force boundaries.

DI Wolfe said there had been a co-ordinated crackdown on the crooks from banks, police forces and local authorities.

He said: “It was a long-running enquiry and it has been difficult to obtain evidence when people are in such a poor state of health.

“It’s part of a continued success from Operation Strongbow and Operation Bombay who are dedicated teams of investigators who are targeting the elderly. We have been together for two years and we are really showing results.

“These two men preyed on people who they knew were of a failing health. There is a need to reiterate an important message to people - only employ others on the recommendations of people you know, or on the approval from other family members. Otherwise, do not engage with cold callers at all.”