COUNCIL staff in Hillingdon worked with Lincolnshire Police to bring about the prosecution of a criminal ring which preyed on vulnerable elderly residents here.

John Rooney was sentenced to 15 years and six months in jail for conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, conspiracy to defraud, fraud by false representation and two counts of theft.

Martin Rooney is to be sentenced for conspiracy to defraud and two counts of converting criminal property.
 
The Rooneys deliberately befriended elderly residents in Hillingdon and attempted to scam them out of their homes, assets and life-savings.
 
Civic Centre staff worked closely with Lincolnshire Police to identify similar cases around the country connected to the Rooney family.

The men were part of a criminally-organised gang that had made a living out of befriending vulnerable people to scam them out of money, which is a form of financial abuse.
 
It later transpired that several of those involved had been previously charged for modern slavery and other crimes.
 
Hillingdon has now taken steps to safeguard other residents targeted by similar scams.
 
Leader Ray Puddifoot said: "We will not tolerate any type of abuse on our residents, and these despicable people deliberately targeted vulnerable elderly people with a view to financially abuse and exploit them.

“The elderly and vulnerable were identified by the Rooneys and were then preyed upon until they were convinced to sign over all their money and assets.

“If you suspect anyone in Hillingdon is being abused, please report it so we can take the appropriate action to protect them from this."

You can report abuse confidentially by emailing reportabuse@hillingdon.gov.uk or by calling Hillingdon Social Care Direct on 01895 556633. If you think a crime has taken place, dial 999.