It’s not just the money.
I read with great sadness about Cyril Jenkins 88. This gentleman died in Bristol just a few months after getting ripped off by cowboy builders. I hate this term because they are not builders they are just scum who have no building ability. In fact they are just thieves that is all and it would not matter what ploy they used to trick him.
They got £7000 out of him in cash to fix a tile. It is irrelevant to know whether or not he needed any work doing at all because they robbed him. It is not just the money though it is the pain and embarrassment that continues after the event.
When Cyril realised what had happened he stopped eating and became ill and passed away. He and his family lost more than money. These guys got caught and have been sent to prison for nine months - whoop a de doo. The implication of their actions are far greater than money and nine months.
I will never understand the motivation of these sorts and most builders I know would be equally ashamed of what is carried out in our name. Cyril who, as I read, was a successful business man in his time has lost the edge as he got older. That cannot be a crime for goodness sake doesn’t everyone lose a little ability as the years roll on?
Surely the price to pay is too high when we think of how many people like Cyril are out in the world. As more pensioners are living longer and on their own we need to come down harder on the people who take advantage of them. As family, friends and neighbours we need to keep an eye out for them.
I have of course often worked for customers of Cyril’s age and older. I make the point as carefully as I can to include relatives or other parties known to the potential customer. It is a difficult balance between looking after the elderly and taking over their lives or taking away the independence of course but we have to try. To ignore the guys that have been turning up in the unmarked van or not wanting to get involved creates a perfect climate for the rogues.
I feel like I beat the same drum but it is the continual beating that will create the rhythm of fairness in the long run. We need to go back to referring tradesmen, help in the community and informing the Police. They cannot help unless they know of these suspicious activities. An honest builder or any other person going about their job or profession will have no worries about being checked up upon. I always make sure neighbours know me and the team in advance wherever I can. Its all good housekeeping. We need to take action now before we all know a Cyril and live to regret doing nothing.
I sincerely wish Cyril’s family all the best for the future and my heart goes out to them.
Comments
One Comment on It’s not just the money.
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Liz on
Mon, 12th Jul 2010 2:30 pm
I hate this term because they are not builders they are just scum who have no building ability.
Exactly, I wish someone would tell the news writers.
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