The cowboy builder added to the UK's 'most wanted' list

A cowboy builder has made the UK's 'most wanted' list in connection with a series of frauds. Crimestoppers has added Steven Fidler to its Most Wanted list.

The organisation says unwitting customers were fleeced of thousands of pounds in the incidents, spanning from November 2019 to January 2022. Crimestoppers adds Fidler employed a host of psuedonyms, including Steve Donohue; Steven and Riley Doherty; and Paddy, Billy, Riley and Simey McGuinley.

Warwickshire Police confirmed that Fidler is wanted by several forces across the UK, including West Midlands Police. Fidler is wanted in Cheshire according to Crimestoppers, CheshireLive reports.

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Crimestoppers says several of those affected advertised building or decoration projects on online bidding sites, and were "contacted by Fidler using various unregistered company names. Others have had him recommended to them."

Crimestoppers said: "Fidler has quoted for the building work for each of the complainants and this has been accepted, with contracts being drawn up either verbally or, in lots of cases, written. Fidler has asked for a large portion of the costs upfront and the complainants have paid thousands of pounds in bank transfers and cash.

"He has then started the work for each complainant, often recommending further work they need doing, and asking for more money. His attendance has been sporadic, frequently making excuses as to non-attendance.

"For the majority of the complainants Fidler has done work to demolish or strip back parts of each house, and has then stopped attending."

Crimestoppers adds the company names used include Doherty Master Plastering and Building Solutions, Doherty Building