Exposed: The Cowboy Builder Who Stole Thousands And Avoided Prosecution

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Aug 22, 2025

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Exposed: The Cowboy Builder Who Stole Thousands and Avoided Prosecution – For Now

A shocking case of alleged theft and negligence has left homeowners out of pocket and questioning the effectiveness of legal processes. For months, whispers circulated within the quiet town of Oakhaven, but now the story of unscrupulous builder, Bartholomew "Bart" Higgins, is finally hitting the headlines. Higgins, operating under the guise of "Higgins Handyman Services," allegedly defrauded multiple homeowners out of thousands of pounds, leaving behind shoddy workmanship and incomplete projects. This article delves into the details of his alleged crimes and the frustrating battle victims are facing to reclaim their losses.

The Scale of the Alleged Fraud:

Higgins's alleged modus operandi was simple but devastatingly effective. He targeted elderly homeowners and those undertaking significant home renovations, securing contracts with promises of high-quality work at competitive prices. However, once a significant upfront payment was received, the quality of work plummeted, if it was completed at all. Many victims reported incomplete projects, substandard materials, and ultimately, a significant loss of funds with little recourse.

One victim, Mrs. Eleanor Davies, 78, recounted her experience: "He charmed me, I'll admit. But the work… it was atrocious. He took £8,000 and left my kitchen a disaster. I'm left with a mountain of debt and a kitchen I can't use."

Several other victims reported similar experiences, with losses ranging from £2,000 to over £15,000. The total amount allegedly stolen is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of pounds.

The Failure of Prosecution:

Despite overwhelming evidence – including witness testimonies, photographic evidence of substandard work, and bank statements showing payment transfers – prosecution has been stalled. Local police confirmed they investigated several complaints, but due to what they term "insufficient evidence," no charges have been filed against Higgins. This has left many victims feeling betrayed and disillusioned with the justice system.

This raises serious questions about the resources and processes available to victims of such crimes. The lack of prosecution highlights the challenges faced when pursuing cowboy builders who operate outside of established legal frameworks.

What Can Homeowners Do to Protect Themselves?

This case serves as a stark warning to homeowners undertaking renovations. To protect yourself from similar scams, consider the following:

• Thorough Vetting: Always check references and obtain multiple quotes before engaging a builder. Look for registered builders and those with verifiable trade qualifications. The Federation of Master Builders () is a good resource.
• Written Contracts: Always insist on a detailed written contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, and completion dates.
• Staggered Payments: Avoid paying large sums upfront. Instead, opt for payments linked to the completion of specific stages of the project.
• Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the police and your local trading standards office.

The Fight Continues:

While the legal battle against Higgins may have stalled for now, victims are not giving up. They are exploring civil legal avenues to recover their losses and hope to raise awareness about the dangers of cowboy builders. This incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the vulnerabilities homeowners face and the urgent need for stronger consumer protections. We will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments. If you have a similar story to share, please contact us confidentially.