A Bexhill tradesman who conned more than two dozen customers out of nearly £30,000 has been jailed following a detailed police investigation.
Adam Reid, 40, of Dorset Road, Bexhill, operated under the name SCS Installations (Safe Chimney Sweep) and appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, 17 June, where he was sentenced to 30 months in prison for fraud-related offences.
Trusted Tradesman Turned Conman
Reid had once been a well-regarded chimney sweep across Sussex, claiming affiliations with professional trade bodies — some of which had already expired. Despite warning signs and customer complaints beginning in December 2023, his fraudulent activities spanned from November 2022 to February 2025.
His typical scam involved:
- Quoting and collecting upfront deposits
- Providing false assurances about job completion
- Offering excuses such as illness, family crises, or vehicle problems
- Failing to complete any of the work
Most of his victims were regular or referred customers, further compounding their sense of betrayal.
Arrests and Repeat Offending
Reid was first arrested in October 2024, but continued to defraud customers while on bail. His second arrest in April 2025 led to formal charges and remand.
An investigation revealed Reid’s gambling and drug use as key drivers of his financial misconduct.
He pleaded guilty to:
The court heard how he used his customers’ deposits to fund his addictions while dodging responsibility and avoiding job commitments.
Statement from Sussex Police
PC Holly Elliott, who led the case, commented:
“Adam Reid betrayed the trust of his victims, using their money to try and fix his own financial issues.
What started with one report uncovered the true scale of Reid’s offending, showing a committed offender with no regard for his victims.
This has been a complex investigation and I would like to thank all involved for helping to bring him to justice.”
Proceeds of Crime Act in Motion
Prosecutors have also begun recovery proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, aiming to return stolen funds to victims where possible.
How to Report Fraud
If you suspect fraud or have been affected by a similar scam:
- Call Sussex Police on 101
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
